At a Busy Place: The Development of Sluis as a Maritime Port in the Late 14th — Early 15th Centuries

Abstract

This article considers the development of the Flemish town of Sluis, which served as a port for Bruges in the late fourteenth — early fifteenth centuries. The research of documentary and narrative sources (ordonnances of dukes of Burgundy Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, chronicles of Jean Froissart and Jean Cabaret d’Orville, and others) demonstrates significant changes that took place in Sluis during the period in question. In 1386, the town came under the direct rule of the Dukes of Burgundy, who decided to strengthen Sluis as a counterweight to the powerful and rebellious Bruges. As a result, a castle and fortifications around the town were constructed during the following years. Several new public buildings in its centre also changed the image of the town. At the time, the transshipment of goods from large seagoing ships to small barges that brought cargoes to Bruges mainly took place in Sluis. However, the continued restrictions imposed by Bruges prohibited selling goods destined for Bruges in Sluis. Consequently, the inhabitants of Sluis were to seek workarounds for their well-being. These included illegal trade, piracy, and smuggling. Maintaining order in the fast-growing port visited by numerous foreigners was a difficult task. Despite the ducal prohibitions, taverns emerged close to the castle and town walls where spirits were sold illegally and companies of soldiers as well as outlaws gathered. Some sources also show the involvement of the maritime bailiff of Sluis in dubious affairs (e.g., extorting bribes from fishermen). At the same time, Sluis had convenient conditions for the transshipment of goods, and foreign merchants could enjoy some privileges during their stay in the town, which made it more attractive for them.