Exeter Cloth Dispatch Book, 1763-1765

A newly discovered manuscript by Claude Passavant, a Swiss émigré merchant, provides a detailed account of the Exeter cloth trade in the 18th century. With 2,475 surviving cloth samples, it is the most extensive collection of Devon cloth. The book explores the quality, range, and vibrancy of the cloth that made Exeter a renowned center for manufacturing and trading woollen cloth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2021
Publisher: Devon & Cornwall Record Society

Winner of the Best Books on Devon's History: Academic Award from the Devon History Society

A captivating exploration of the profound national and international significance of the early modern Exeter cloth trade, this remarkable book offers a wealth of visual insights. It reproduces a newly discovered manuscript, meticulously detailing the exports of Claude Passavant, a Swiss émigré merchant. Passavant's dispatch book stands as the most extensive surviving collection of Devon cloth, with an impressive 2,475 surviving cloth samples. Thirteen captivating chapters delve into the local and broader contexts of eighteenth-century cloth making, shedding light on the craftsmanship, diversity, and vibrancy that propelled Exeter to become an internationally renowned hub for the manufacture and trade of woollen cloth.

This captivating study delves into the intricate details of the quality, range, and sheer brilliance of the cloth produced in Exeter during the eighteenth century. It explores the various factors that contributed to the city's ascendancy, including the strategic location, abundant resources, and the skilled craftsmanship of its textile artisans. The book also sheds light on the complex networks of trade and commerce that facilitated the exchange of Exeter's cloth with far-flung destinations, including Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Through its meticulous research and engaging narrative, this book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the history of textiles and the economic development of early modern England. It offers a fresh perspective on the role of cloth production in shaping society, culture, and the global economy, and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Exeter's cloth trade. Whether you are an historian, textile enthusiast, or simply interested in the rich tapestry of history, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the fascinating world of early modern Exeter.

Weight: 1090g
Dimension: 179 x 247 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780901853639