Abstract
AbstractThis article re-examines the late medieval market in freehold land, the extent to which it was governed by market forces as opposed to political or social constraints, and how this contributed to the commercialisation of the late medieval English economy. We employ a valuable new resource for study of this topic in the form of an extensive dataset on late medieval English freehold property transactions. Through analysis of this data, we examine how the level of market activity (the number of sales) and the nature of the properties (the relative proportions of different types of asset) varied across regions and over time. In particular, we consider the impact of exogenous factors and the effects of growing commercialisation. We argue that peaks of activity following periods of crisis (Great Famine and Black Death) indicate that property ownership became open to market speculation. In so doing, we present an important new perspective on the long-term evolution of the medieval English property market.
Highlights
In the last 30 years, there has been a renewed emphasis on commercialisation in the late medieval economy.[1]
A number of conclusions can be drawn from this reappraisal of the late medieval English property market
Fluctuations in the number of fines per year are shown to be closely correlated with key exogenous events of the fourteenth century, lending further support to the argument that, during this period, they constitute a useful source through which to interpret freehold property market activity
Summary
In the last 30 years, there has been a renewed emphasis on commercialisation in the late medieval economy.[1]. Their findings demonstrate that, the value per acre of arable, meadow and pasture remained relatively similar across the two counties, from the fifteenth century the value of manors and urban properties in Essex was markedly greater than in Warwickshire, a result that they attribute to increased demand for these types of properties among the London professional and commercial classes.[16] studies such as this demonstrate the potential for analysis of the monetary considerations stated in the fines, it is clear that they cannot be used without caution.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
