Cloth Trade and Growth of London

What was the original cloth trade system called?

The Domestic System or ‘The Putting-Out System’

What were the benefits of the Domestic System?

.No permanent/contracted employment
.As the industry was in homes it was free of taxes and regulation

What were disadvantages of the Domestic System?

.Unskilled so quality of cloth varied:
Regional variation- Lancashire produed a coarse cloth unsuitable for clothing while West Country produced ‘broadcloths’ sold at high prices in Low Countries

How much did employment in textiles increase to in Colchester?

From 26.4% in 1619 to 40% in 1699

What percentage of exports did cloth account for?

74% of exports in 1660 and 72% of exports in 1700

What percentage of exports was cloth in 1640?

Cloth was 92% of exports

What was the value of cloth exports in London?

Rose from £600,000 in 1560s to 1.5 million in 1660s

What did ‘New’ or Worsted Draperies allow for?

Meant production of finer, lighter clothing which appealed to the interests of Europe

How did French Hugeunots improve the cloth trade?

Combined lighter fabrics such as silk with English wool

How did the Dutch Loom benefit the Cloth trade?

Allowed for more efficient production of textiles and finer materials such as silk which appealed to the European market more

How many immigrants were working in the cloth industry in 1585?

13,000 in Norwich and Colchester

From 1650, where did French Huguenots and Dutch Protestants establish a weaving industry?

The East End

Example of migration for royal favour

Gentry would go to Inns of Courts to become part of the Royal Court or have careers in the military

Why did specialists move to London?

It offered a greater wealth of opportunity more than subsistence work

Why was London ideal for merchants and businessmen?

It was the heart of the road and shipping network so was easily accessible

What was developing in London during the 17th century?

The Investment and banking industry

What was centred in London?

The legal system with all of the Inns of Courts where judges were trained