Merchants and craftspeople in medieval England
I can explain the reasons for and impact of merchants and craftspeople on medieval England, as well as the experiences of merchants and craftspeople.
Merchants and craftspeople in medieval England
I can explain the reasons for and impact of merchants and craftspeople on medieval England, as well as the experiences of merchants and craftspeople.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- From as early as the Norman conquest, rulers of England looked to grow the economy using European workers.
- Wider events, such as the Black Death, led to a demand for more merchants and craftspeople.
- The actions of rulers throughout the medieval period directly impacted the experiences of merchants and craftspeople.
- Although sometimes welcomed by the authorities, many migrants faced increasing hostility from local merchants.
- Merchants and craftspeople had a significant impact on the economy, especially the wool trade.
Keywords
Low Countries - coastal region of north west Europe, made up of modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Angevin Empire - territories in England, Wales, Ireland and France held by Henry II and his descendants in the 12th and 13th centuries
Common misconception
All migrants workers settled in England to work in the wool trade.
Not all migrant workers settled in England to work in the wool trade. Italian bankers are an example of a migrant group who were invited to work as moneylenders, and had very little to do with the English wool trade.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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