Migrants: Experience (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Notes
Migrants: Experience in mediaeval England (c.800-c1500)
Introduction
The experiences of migrants in mediaeval England varied dramatically depending on several key factors. Success often depended on what skills and expertise they brought with them, their personal ambitions and goals, and crucially, how the existing English population perceived and treated them. Some groups integrated relatively smoothly, while others faced significant hostility and discrimination.
The mediaeval period saw waves of different migrant groups, each facing unique challenges and opportunities based on the political, economic, and social circumstances of their time.
Viking experiences in England
Early settlement and the Danelaw
The Vikings who arrived in England from around 800 CE generally managed to establish settled communities, particularly in an area that became known as the Danelaw. Rather than remaining as raiders, many Vikings chose to build permanent lives in their new homeland. They established their own markets and workshops, constructed houses, and developed their own forms of entertainment and community life. Some became quite wealthy through the extensive trading networks they maintained with Europe.
Relations with the Saxons
Initially, relationships between Viking settlers and the existing Saxon population were relatively peaceful. However, tensions arose for Vikings living near the boundary between the Danelaw and Saxon territories. For these communities, conflict with Saxon neighbours became a regular part of daily life.
The situation deteriorated significantly after 937 CE when the Danelaw came under Saxon political control. Following this change, Danish settlers began experiencing raids from Saxon forces, and some communities faced direct attacks. The relationship between the two groups became increasingly strained during this period.
Viking political success
Despite these conflicts, Vikings achieved remarkable political success in England. In 1016 CE, Cnut became the first Danish king to rule over England. This represented a major turning point, as relations between Vikings and Saxons improved considerably under his reign.
Political Integration Success: Cnut's Reign
Cnut's approach demonstrated effective migrant integration through political leadership:
- Established new earldoms for both Danish and Saxon nobles
- Granted substantial land holdings to Saxon nobles
- Implemented policies of integration rather than domination
- Successfully unified previously hostile communities under one rule
Norman experiences after 1066
Establishing control and facing resistance
Following their conquest in 1066 CE, the Normans had to work hard to establish their authority throughout England. Unlike some earlier migrant groups, the Normans regularly faced hostile reactions and resentment from the Saxon population. This hostility stemmed partly from the brutal methods the Norman army had used to crush rebellions, particularly in the West Country, East Anglia, and northern England. In some cases, the Saxons were forced to rebuild castles for their Norman conquerors, sometimes after having entire towns destroyed.
The feudal system and land distribution
The Normans implemented a feudal system that placed them in positions of authority over the Saxon population. As barons, bishops, and knights, Normans held the most powerful positions in society. The land distribution process was systematic and thorough - King William kept significant portions for himself, granted some to the Church, and distributed the remainder among Norman nobles who had supported him during the conquest.
The Normans understood the value of the land they were taking over, partly because they compiled the Domesday Book, which recorded detailed information about property ownership and agricultural productivity. They also knew what crops would grow successfully and which animals would thrive in different regions.
European migrants and their contributions
Flemish weavers
Flemish migrants brought highly specialised textile skills that English weavers initially lacked. They were generally welcomed because they taught these valuable techniques to local craftspeople, helping to develop and improve England's cloth production. Their expertise contributed significantly to the growth of England's textile industry.
Hansa merchants from Germany
German merchants, particularly those connected to the Hanseatic League, were granted trading rights in England by Edward I. They established a major trading centre called the Steelyard in London, from which they directed and controlled trade with the Hanseatic League and other parts of Europe.
Economic Success: German Merchant Influence
By the mid-1400s, German merchants had achieved remarkable economic control:
- Gained control over most of England's cloth industry
- Established the Steelyard as a major trading hub
- Maintained extensive trade networks across Europe
- Demonstrated significant economic influence in mediaeval England
Lombard bankers
Italian banking families began operating in London from 1220 CE onwards. These Lombard bankers proved highly successful, particularly after the expulsion of Jewish people in 1290, when they gained even more prominence in England's financial sector. Even after Edward III stopped repaying their loans, some continued their banking operations.
Jewish migrants and persecution
Economic role and protection
Jewish migrants found their niche in mediaeval England primarily through money lending, an occupation that many Christians avoided due to religious restrictions on charging interest. Monarchs initially provided protection for Jewish communities because they benefited from the taxes Jewish moneylenders had to pay. In return, monarchs allowed Jewish people to shelter in castles during dangerous periods.
Growing persecution and legal restrictions
However, Jewish communities faced increasing antisemitism - prejudice and discrimination specifically directed against Jewish people.
The 1275 Statute of Jewry forced Jewish people to wear a distinctive yellow armband and prohibited them from charging interest on loans. This legislation made it nearly impossible for many Jewish people to make a living.
Expulsion from England
The persecution culminated in 1290 CE when Edward I expelled all Jewish people from England. This expulsion followed a pattern of increasing hostility and scapegoating that had been building for decades.
Challenges during difficult times
When England faced economic or social problems, migrants often became targets for the frustrations of the English population.
Migrant Persecution During Crisis: The Peasants' Revolt
The Peasants' Revolt in 1381 demonstrated how economic hardship could turn into violence against migrants:
- Approximately 150 migrants were murdered during the revolt
- The Hansa Steelyard was burned down by angry crowds
- Craft guilds used the crisis to justify complaints about "foreigners"
- Economic frustrations were redirected towards vulnerable migrant communities
Craft guilds regularly complained that "foreigners" were taking work away from English craftspeople, demonstrating ongoing tensions between established communities and newcomer groups.
Timeline of key events
- c.800-900: Viking settlement in the Danelaw begins
- 937: Danelaw comes under Saxon control
- 1016: Cnut becomes first Danish king of England
- 1066: Norman Conquest
- 1220: Lombard bankers establish operations in London
- 1275: Statute of Jewry restricts Jewish rights
- 1290: Edward I expels Jewish people from England
- 1381: Peasants' Revolt targets migrant communities
Key Points to Remember:
- Skills mattered most - Migrants with valuable expertise like Flemish weavers were generally welcomed, while others faced hostility
- Political conquest created lasting tensions - Both Vikings and Normans eventually achieved political success, but through different paths
- Economic roles could provide both opportunity and danger - Jewish moneylenders were initially protected but later scapegoated and expelled
- Integration varied by group - Some migrants like German merchants maintained separate communities, while others like Vikings eventually blended with the local population
- Difficult times increased hostility - Economic problems and social unrest often led to violence against migrant communities