Extracts Relating to Mediaeval Markets and Fairs in England

"Extracts Relating to Mediaeval Markets and Fairs in England" by Helen Douglas-Irvine is a historical exploration that illuminates the vibrant world of commerce and community in medieval England. Through carefully selected extracts and original documents, the book uncovers the evolution, importance, and rules that governed markets and fairs from Anglo-Saxon times to the late Middle Ages, showing how these bustling hubs shaped society. It examines the power of royal market rights, the strategic placement of trading sites, and the special benefits given to merchants, offering insight into the enforcement of trade laws, the involvement of international traders, and the eventual shift of traditional fairs into entertainment venues. In essence, the book paints a rich picture of how these economic engines influenced the very structure of medieval English society.