Date of Award

Summer 1988

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Committee Director

Jeffery S. Hamilton

Committee Member

C. H. Haws

Committee Member

Douglas Greene

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.H47B725

Abstract

The merchant class of London became an increasingly important and active body during the Hundred Years War, especially in the area of economic development. London's merchants held the most important governmental posts of the city, and were instrumental in the finance systems of London and the kingdom. In trade and commerce, London's merchants were at the forefront, instituting complex business transactions and opening new markets for themselves and for the kingdom at large. The ongoing conflict between England and France from 1337 to 1453 provided the merchants with many opportunities for their new developments and ventures. The artificially concentrated conditions caused by warfare were an ideal environment in which the merchants applied innovations and practices to better themselves and their opportunities. Many economic ideas which are considered early modern developments actually date from the period of the Hundred Years War and may be attributed in large part to the efforts of the merchants of London.

This study utilizes primary sources such as the Letter Books of London and John Carpenter's Liber Albus to provide a picture of the London merchant in his local, commercial, and national roles. Secondary sources such as Reginald R. Sharpe's Calendars and the valuable notation he provides have also been incorporated, as well as prominent sources for the economic history of the period.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25777/4tty-6b51

Download

Share

COinS