Ayers/The German Ocean, 3. The 14th Century

The marginal location of ports led to both failure and success. Trade is evidenced through artefacts, coinage, urban and landscape studies. The industrial production and trade of textiles is explored as well as non-textile trades and industries including perishable commodities such as fur. Increasing evidence is available for discussion of food production, distribution and diet. The impact of the Black Death is assessed before discussion of later 14th century trans-North Sea contacts and influences. The concept of ‘Hanseatic’ culture is considered as well as the economic impact of the church.