The Economy of Medieval Wales, 1067-1536

This book surveys the economy of Wales from the first Norman intrusions of 1067 to the Act of Union of England and Wales in 1536. Key landmarks that are foundational to Welsh economic progress include the evolution of the agrarian economy, the settlement and growth of towns, the adoption of a monetary system, English colonization and economic exploitation, the collapse of Welsh social structures and rise of economic individualism, the disastrous effect of the Glyndŵr rebellion, and, ultimately, the alignment of the Welsh economy to that of the English. Matthew Stevens crafts a narrative economic history that provides an essential framework for understanding the development of Wales and its relationship to Britain and Europe.