Ayers/The German Ocean, 2. 12th- and 13th-Century Consolidation

Economic development led to increased wealth and mercantile and high-status expression as well as displays of power. Urban development meant greater organisation and promotion of identity while rural economic growth led to landscape change and more pronounced parochial organisation. Greater evidence is available for exploring rural/urban links as well as urban infrastructure, connections and hierarchies. At the same time, environmental pressures caused problems for settlements around the North Sea.