Description du livre
Extracts Relating to Mediaeval Markets and Fairs in England is a comprehensive historical compilation that delves into the vibrant commercial life of medieval England. Drawing from a wide array of original documents, charters, royal decrees, and municipal records, the book offers a detailed exploration of the origins, development, and regulation of markets and fairs from the Norman Conquest through the later Middle Ages. It illuminates the crucial role these institutions played in the economic, social, and legal fabric of English society, serving as centers of trade, social interaction, and local governance. The extracts provide firsthand insights into the privileges granted to towns and abbeys to hold markets and fairs, the disputes and negotiations over market rights, and the intricate systems of tolls, fees, and market regulations. Readers encounter the voices of monarchs, merchants, townspeople, and officials, revealing the complexities of medieval commerce and the ways in which markets and fairs shaped urban growth, rural economies, and patterns of travel and communication. The book also examines the seasonal rhythms of trade, the goods exchanged, and the challenges posed by competition, fraud, and disorder. Through its meticulous selection of sources, Extracts Relating to Mediaeval Markets and Fairs in England paints a vivid picture of bustling market days, festive fairs, and the enduring legacy of these institutions in English history. Essential for historians, students, and anyone interested in the everyday life of the Middle Ages, this volume is both a valuable reference and a fascinating window into a formative period of economic and social development.