Immigrant England, 1300-1550

This book provides a detailed history of first-generation immigrants to England in the later Middle Ages, covering their spread across the kingdom, occupations, and social and political attitudes. It is a valuable resource for understanding immigration policy, ethnicity, and race in England.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 14 December 2018
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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This captivating book offers a comprehensive and accessible history of the first-generation immigrants to England during the later Middle Ages. Accounting for approximately two percent of the population and hailing from diverse regions across Europe and beyond, these immigrants settled in both rural and urban areas, engaging in various occupations such as agricultural labor, skilled craftsmanship, and professional roles. While they were often welcomed and encouraged, they also faced instances of vilification and victimization. Immigrants remained a prominent topic on the social and political landscape, shaping the cultural and demographic landscape of England.

Immigrant England is a groundbreaking work that delves into a phenomenon and issue of utmost significance to the English people during the late Middle Ages. It also holds relevance for descendants of these immigrants residing in the United Kingdom today and for anyone interested in exploring the historical dimensions of immigration policy, attitudes towards ethnicity and race, and concepts of Englishness and Britishness.

The book provides a rich and detailed account of the experiences of the first-generation immigrants who arrived in England during this period. It sheds light on their diverse backgrounds, motivations for migration, and the challenges they faced upon their arrival. The immigrants came from various parts of Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, among others, and brought with them their unique cultural practices, languages, and traditions.

One of the key themes of Immigrant England is the integration of immigrants into English society. The authors explore how these immigrants adapted to their new surroundings, learned the English language, and sought to establish themselves in their respective communities. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, many immigrants were able to find employment and build successful lives for themselves and their families.

However, the integration process was not always smooth, and immigrants often faced social and economic marginalization. They were often subjected to discrimination and prejudice from native English speakers, who viewed them as outsiders and threats to their cultural and economic identity. This led to tensions and conflicts within communities, as some individuals sought to exclude immigrants while others advocated for their rights and integration.

Immigrant England also examines the impact of immigration on English society and culture. The authors explore how the arrival of new immigrants brought about changes in the workforce, the economy, and the social fabric of England. Immigrants contributed to the growth of industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, and their presence also enriched the cultural landscape by introducing new foods, languages, and artistic traditions.

At the same time, immigration also raised concerns about the loss of traditional English values and identity. Some individuals argued that immigrants were not assimilating into English society and were instead maintaining their cultural practices and traditions, which could lead to the erosion of Englishness and Britishness. This debate continued to shape public opinion and immigration policy in England for many years to come.

Immigrant England is a valuable contribution to the field of historical studies, particularly in the area of immigration history. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the experiences of the first-generation immigrants to England during the late Middle Ages, and its insights are relevant to contemporary debates about immigration, ethnicity, and race. The book is well-written, accessible, and engaging, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including students, scholars, and general interest individuals.

In conclusion, Immigrant England is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the historical dimensions of immigration to England. It offers a rich and detailed account of the experiences of the first-generation immigrants, their integration into English society, and the impact they had on English culture and society. The book's insights are relevant to contemporary debates about immigration, ethnicity, and race, and it provides a valuable contribution to the field of historical studies.

\n Weight: 400g\n
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526109149\n \n