Stokesay Castle Flashcards
(20 cards)
Who was Laurence of Ludlow, and when did he buy Stokesay Castle?
Laurence of Ludlow was a very important wool merchant who bought Stokesay Castle in 1281.
Why was Stokesay Castle’s location important for the wool trade?
It had good trade routes to London, Wales, and the South. The area was also the third largest sheep-rearing area in England, providing lots of wool.
How many sheep were there in England by 1300, and what does this show about the wool industry?
By 1300, there were an amazing 12 million sheep in England, showing the huge scale of the wool industry.
What jobs did the wool trade create in the local economy around Stokesay Castle?
It created jobs for shepherds, shearers, merchants, spinners, and weavers.
Give two examples of luxurious features in Stokesay Castle that show Laurence of Ludlow’s wealth.
It has a winding spiral staircase, large glass windows, a magnificent Great Hall with a fancy roof, and an ornamental pond.
Any two are fine.
How did the wool trade allow Laurence of Ludlow to gain high status?
The wool trade was incredibly profitable, making him rich enough to afford such a grand castle and rise to become a very important person, almost like a member of the nobility.
What was one example of Laurence of Ludlow’s financial influence with King Edward I?
He was able to lend King Edward I a huge sum of £600.
How did Laurence of Ludlow influence national policy regarding wool?
He advised the king on wool tax, even suggesting tripling the customs rate on wool exports to £2 per sack.
What political position did Laurence of Ludlow hold, showing his power?
He was a member of Parliament.
How did Stokesay Castle itself reflect Laurence of Ludlow’s power and status?
The castle acted as a symbol of his power and status, showing his wealth and influence gained from the wool trade.
What does the fact that Laurence of Ludlow bought Stokesay Castle in 1281 suggest about Anglo-Welsh relations at that time?
It suggests a period of relatively good relations and stability, as a merchant wouldn’t invest so much in a border area if constant conflict was a threat.
What defensive features did Stokesay Castle have, and when did Laurence request permission for them?
It had a tower, thick walls, a moat, arrow slits, and high windows. Laurence requested permission to add these reinforcements in 1291.
What do the defensive features of Stokesay Castle suggest about the relationship between the English and Welsh?
They suggest that despite economic ties, there were still underlying tensions and a potential for conflict, meaning the relationship wasn’t completely peaceful.
What was the Statute of Rhuddlan, and how did it affect the perception of threat from Wales?
The Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284 formally brought Wales under English law, suggesting that the country was no longer seen as a major threat.
How do the manor house features of Stokesay Castle (like glass windows and a Great Hall) contradict its defensive elements, and what does this imply?
They show a focus on comfort and display, implying a belief in long-term safety and stability, as Laurence wouldn’t have risked such luxury if invasion was likely.
Why is the wool trade often called the ‘backbone’ of the English economy during the Middle Ages?
Because it was the most important and profitable industry, making huge amounts of money for England and supporting many jobs.
What social change does Laurence of Ludlow’s rise to wealth and influence represent?
He represents the rise of a new, powerful merchant class, who gained importance alongside the traditional noble families.
How did King Edward I’s actions in Wales indirectly benefit the wool trade?
His conquest of Wales, completed around the time Laurence bought Stokesay, brought more stability and peace to the border regions, which helped trade flourish.
How does Stokesay Castle itself serve as a symbol of the broader economic changes in medieval England?
It is a prime example of how immense wealth from trade, particularly wool, allowed merchants to build grand estates and gain social and political power, reflecting England’s growing prosperity.
What can we learn about medieval society from Laurence of Ludlow’s story?
We learn that wealth, particularly from successful trade like wool, could enable individuals to rise significantly in social standing and influence, even without being born into nobility.
