The Wool Trade in English Medieval History

The Wool Trade in English Medieval History examines England's wool industry from the 13th to 15th centuries. Power traces how wool became England's primary export and shaped its economy during the Middle Ages. The book details the mechanics of medieval wool production and trade, from sheep farming to international commerce. The roles of merchants, monasteries, and royal taxation in the wool trade receive careful analysis, supported by historical records and economic data. This work follows the rise and decline of England's wool supremacy, including its effects on domestic politics and international relations. Power explores the complex relationships between English wool merchants and their counterparts in Flanders and Italy. Through its economic focus, the book reveals broader patterns about power, wealth, and social mobility in medieval England. The wool trade serves as a lens for understanding how commerce transformed English society and influenced the development of early capitalism.

Readers value this book as a clear introduction to England's medieval wool trade and its economic impact. The text comes from Power's 1940 lecture series, maintaining an accessible speaking style. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex economic concepts - Focus on social impacts beyond just trade data - Includes details about peasant wool growers and merchants - Uses specific examples and primary sources Dislikes: - Some readers note the dated writing style - Limited scope compared to more recent scholarship - Lack of maps and visual aids - Originally lectures, so not as detailed as a full book Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (38 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) "The book excels at showing how wool shaped medieval society from peasants to kings" - Goodreads review "A bit basic for serious scholars but perfect for newcomers to the topic" - Amazon review "Could use more context about broader medieval economy" - Goodreads review

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🐑 The wool trade was so vital to medieval England's economy that a special seat in Parliament—the Woolsack—was created for the Lord Chancellor to sit upon, stuffed with wool as a symbol of the nation's wealth. This tradition continues to this day. 📚 Eileen Power (1889-1940) was one of the first female professors at the London School of Economics and helped pioneer the study of social history, particularly women's roles in medieval society. 💰 During the height of the medieval wool trade, the finest English wool was worth more by weight than silver, and a single sack could fetch enough money to buy a small farm. 🏰 The wealth generated by wool led to the construction of magnificent "wool churches" throughout East Anglia and the Cotswolds, built by prosperous merchants seeking to ensure their place in heaven. 🌍 The book reveals how English wool dominated European markets so completely that Italian merchants established permanent bases in England, creating some of the first international banking networks.