Cloth Trade Flashcards
(10 cards)
Why was the wool and cloth trade so significant to England’s economy in the early modern period
It was central to economic prosperity, forming the majority of England’s exports. Cloth trade expanded rapidly in the 17th century due to growing population and international demand. It supported both local employment and long-distance trade networks.
What was the putting-out system, and how did it support the cloth trade?
A system where merchants subcontracted raw materials to rural households to be spun and woven into cloth. It flourished in the first half of the 17th century due to cheap labour and flexibility, and was already well-established by 1615
How much money did cloth exports grow from?
London cloth exports grew from £600,000 in the 1560s to over £1.5 million in the 1660s.
How much did textile exports increase by?
15-fold increase in textile exports between 1485 and 1714.
What % of exports did cloth account for and how much did this decrease to?
92% of exports by volume in 1640, 74% in 1660, and 72% in 1700.
How did the domestic system operate, and why was it significant?
Production occurred in family homes where each member performed different tasks. It was cheap, not restricted by guild regulations, and gave workers autonomy. It enabled large-scale cloth production without centralised factories
How did regional variations impact cloth manufacturing in England?
Lancashire focused on hard-wearing ‘broadcloths’ for export to Europe; East Anglia, the South Midlands and Yorkshire produced lighter cloths and became innovation hubs
What were worsted draperies, and why were they important?
New cloth types made from combed wool (bays and says), requiring more skill and offering greater versatility. Introduced by Dutch immigrants, worsteds expanded export opportunities and improved England’s textile reputation, especially in Colchester and Norwich.
How did Protestant immigrants, especially Dutch and Huguenots, impact the cloth trade?
They brought advanced techniques and higher standards, especially in East Anglia. Dutch immigrants boosted Colchester’s textile productivity (21% rise 1619–1641 to 1699). Huguenots brought skills in weaving, silver, and artisan crafts from the 1560s and again after 1685.
What was the impact of Dutch-imported frame knitting technology?
It revolutionised hosiery production by speeding up manufacturing and reducing costs. This innovation was widely adopted and marked a major advance in textile mechanisation
