Key Migrant Groups in Medieval England
This page examines specific migrant groups that came to England during the medieval period, illustrating the diverse reasons for medieval migration to Britain.
Vikings from865onwards:
- Sought economic opportunities in agriculture and trade
- Settled in eastern England, conquering kingdoms like Northumbria and East Anglia
- Attracted to trading centers and fertile farmland
Example: York became a major Viking settlement due to its strategic location, fertile soil, and importance as a trade and administrative center.
Normans from1066:
- Driven by political ambition, particularly William of Normandy's claim to the throne
- Attracted by England's prosperous wool trade and taxation system
Jewish migrants from1070:
- Invited by William I to provide financial services
- Able to charge interest on loans, unlike Christians
- Migrated to growing towns and cities for commercial opportunities
Highlight: William I invited Jewish migrants specifically to help finance the construction of stone castles and cathedrals.
Low Countries laborers 14thcentury:
- Filled labor shortages caused by the Black Death
- Found opportunities in farming and skilled crafts in growing towns
Low Countries weavers 13th−14thcenturies:
- Invited by kings like Henry III and Edward III to boost the cloth industry
- Offered guild privileges and access to high-quality English wool
Lombardy bankers:
- Invited by the king to provide financial services
- Exploited loopholes in religious restrictions on money lending
Vocabulary: Guilds were associations of craftsmen or merchants that controlled the practice of their craft in a particular town.