IMC 2007: Sessions
Session 622: Aliens and Foreigners in the City of London: Their Experiences at the Hands of the Crown and City Authorities
Tuesday 10 July 2007, 11.15-12.45
| Organiser: | Christine Winter, Royal Holloway, University of London |
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| Moderator/Chair: | Erik Spindler, Oriel College, University of Oxford |
| Paper 622-a | Alien Goldsmiths in London, and their Relationship with the Crown, c. 1350-1450 (Language: English) Index terms: Historiography - Medieval, Politics and Diplomacy |
| Paper 622-b | Netherlandish Glaziers Working in London vs. City Authorities, 1526-1550 (Language: English) Index terms: Art History - General, Economics - Trade |
| Abstract | In the late Middle Ages the City of London attracted many alien and foreign travellers, traders, and employment seekers. An examination of the experiences of alien goldsmith and jewel merchants reveals disparities in their dealings with the Crown and shows that nationality played a major role in a merchant's experience. In contrast, writs, ordinances, and appeals against wrongful imprisonment in Chancery show that, whether through ignorance, necessity, or persecution, many aliens and foreigners found themselves on the wrong side of the law and that the civic authorities did not discriminate in punishing anybody who offended the rules of the City. |