Mortality, Trade, Money and Credit in Late Medieval England (1285-1531)

This volume examines the controversial subjects of central importance to medieval economic historians, such as the roles of money and credit in financing the economy, the impact of the Black Death, and the changes in the economy from the late-thirteenth to the early-sixteenth centuries. It uses a detailed analysis of the Statute Merchant and Staple records to chart the chronological and geographical changes in the economy, and assesses how these changes came about and the degree to which political and economic forces altered the pattern of regional wealth and enterprise.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This volume comprises eleven articles that delve into contentious topics of utmost significance to medieval economic historians. The articles explore the relative contributions of money and credit to financing the economy, the potential of credit to mitigate coin shortages, and its ability to counter the devastating impact of the Black Death. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of the Statute Merchant and Staple records, the articles trace the chronological and geographical shifts in the economy from the late-thirteenth to the early-sixteenth centuries. This period commenced with the ascendancy of English merchants over foreign exporters in the early 1300s and concluded in the early 1500s with cloth exports surpassing wool in value. The articles assess the underlying factors that drove these changes, as well as the extent to which political and economic forces shaped the distribution of wealth and enterprise, resulting in the decline of northern towns and the ascendancy of London as the undisputed financial and political capital of England.

Introduction:
This volume presents a collection of eleven articles that examine controversial subjects of central importance to medieval economic historians. The topics covered in these articles range from the relative roles played by money and credit in financing the economy to the potential of credit to compensate for coin shortages and counteract the devastating effects of the Black Death. By drawing on a detailed analysis of the Statute Merchant and Staple records, the authors of these articles chart the chronological and geographical changes in the economy from the late-thirteenth to the early-sixteenth centuries.

Relative Roles of Money and Credit in Financing the Economy:
One of the key themes explored in these articles is the relative roles played by money and credit in financing the economy during the medieval period. The authors argue that while money played a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce, credit was equally important in supporting economic growth and development. They examine the various mechanisms through which money and credit were used to finance transactions, including the use of bills of exchange, promissory notes, and loans. The articles also explore the extent to which credit could compensate for shortages of coin, particularly during times of economic instability or crisis.

Compensation for Coin Shortages through Credit:
One of the most intriguing aspects of these articles is the debate over whether credit could compensate for shortages of coin. The authors argue that while credit could indeed play a role in bridging the gap between supply and demand, it was not a panacea for all economic problems. They note that credit could be risky and expensive, and that it could lead to financial instability and even bankruptcy. However, they also argue that credit could be a valuable tool for managing short-term cash flow shortages and promoting economic growth.

Counteracting the Devastating Effects of the Black Death:
Another important theme in these articles is the impact of the Black Death on the economy. The authors examine the ways in which the plague devastated communities, disrupted trade, and led to a decline in economic activity. They explore the various strategies employed by governments and individuals to mitigate the effects of the plague, including the introduction of monetary policies, tax incentives, and public health measures. The articles also assess the degree to which these measures were successful in promoting economic recovery and stability.

Chronological and Geographical Changes in the Economy:
The articles in this volume also provide a detailed account of the chronological and geographical changes in the economy from the late-thirteenth to the early-sixteenth centuries. The authors trace the evolution of trade routes, the emergence of new markets, and the growth of urban centers. They discuss the factors that influenced these changes, including technological advancements, political developments, and social trends. The articles also highlight the role of regional wealth and enterprise in shaping the economic landscape of the medieval period.

The Decline of Northern Towns and the Ascendancy of London:
One of the most significant findings of these articles is the decline of northern towns and the ascendancy of London as the undisputed financial and political capital of England. The authors argue that the growth of cloth exports, particularly in the early 1500s, played a crucial role in this shift. They note that the development of the textile industry in the north of England led to the establishment of a strong and prosperous merchant class, which in turn contributed to the growth of London as a center of trade and finance.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume presents a comprehensive examination of controversial topics of central importance to medieval economic historians. The articles explore the relative roles played by money and credit in financing the economy, the potential of credit to compensate for coin shortages, and the devastating effects of the Black Death. By conducting a detailed analysis of the Statute Merchant and Staple records, the authors trace the chronological and geographical shifts in the economy from the late-thirteenth to the early-sixteenth centuries. The articles also assess the underlying factors that drove these changes, as well as the extent to which political and economic forces shaped the distribution of wealth and enterprise. The volume concludes by highlighting the decline of northern towns and the ascendancy of London as the undisputed financial and political capital of England.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367520953