EARLY MODERN - FLEMISH IN SANDWICH Flashcards
Why did the Flemish migrate?
They were invited to weave by Edward III
Elizabeth III declared that Flemish migrants should settle in Sandwich “twentie-five” b/c it needed economy development - 25 families arrive
400 Flemish migrants arrived in Sandwich & by 1568 they accounted for 1/2 of the population
(1500 people)
What was the Flemish experience in Sandwich like?
They built their own houses & established a community - by 1568 1/3rd of Sandwich was born abroad and by 1582 1/2 of Sandwich was Flemish.
They were given their own church
They were very successful and they made a lot of money because they were skilled weavers who produced high quality cloths.
What were some negative experiences of the Flemish in Sandwich?
In 1569, they were restricted to bricklaying, masonry & carpentry if the job was refused by an Englishman
1581, they were limited to being weavers or fishers, and were fined if they did not comply
1582, they appealed to Elizabeth, and this allowed for them to work only as weavers or fishers in Sandwich, but in other towns they could do anything
Impacts of the Flemish in Sandwich?
The Flemish brought valuable weaving skills and produced high-quality wools
They made sandwich prosper financially
The farmers introduced new crops like celery.
