Flemish Textile Workers in England, 1331–1400

Immigration, Integration and Economic Development

Milan Pajic

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2023
• Topic: History
• eBook ISBN:
  9781108807784
• Subtopic: British History
• Index: History

In the fourteenth century, with the encouragement of King Edward III, textile workers from the Low Countries – predominantly Flanders but also Brabant – settled in England. Using extensive and original resources from both sides of the English Channel, Milan Pajic argues that the exponential growth of the English textile industry was due to the skill and influence of Flemish immigrants, challenging interpretations from a section of economic historians in the latter half of the twentieth century who concluded that immigrants did not contribute to the economic development of England. The book explores the geography of immigration, the reasons behind the movement of people, and the varied social encounters with local populations. In so doing it uncovers an important and vibrant history which provides essential historical context for contemporary debates on the free movement of people.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title
• Series information
• Title page
• Imprints page
• Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Maps
• List of Tables
• Acknowledgements
• Note on Currency, Weights and Measures
• List of Abbreviations
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Anglo-Flemish Economic Relations, Complex Urban Revolts and the Politics of Collective Exile in Flanders
• Chapter 2 Flemish and Brabantine Immigrants as Permanent Residents in England 1351-1400
• Chapter 3 Social Relationships and Business Networks of the Flemish Community in England
• Chapter 4 Economic Activities of the Immigrants from the Low Countries: Wool and Woollen Cloth Production and Trade
• Chapter 5 Women from the Low Countries in England and Their Economic Activities
• Chapter 6 Anti-Fleming Sentiment and the Peasants' Revolt of 1381
• Conclusion
• Appendix 1 List of Rebels Banished from Bruges 1351, 1361, 1367, 1369
• Appendix 2 List of People Banished from Dixmuide Who Were Offered a Pardon in 1361
• Appendix 3 Testament of Belia [Mabilia], Widow of (1) John Petressone Called 'Everswerd', Citizen and Haberdasher of London; and (2) John Otemele, Dated 7 April 1391, Proved 15 May 1391
• Appendix 4 Testament of Lelia, Widow of Peter Blawer, Citizen and Dyer of London, Dated 13 October 1385, Proved 7 January 1386
• Select Bibliography
• Index