London in the time of Stuart England
Beginning in the 16th century and well into the 17th century, the city of London experienced a period of unprecedented growth in population that was unequalled in much of Europe. Between the years of 1500 and 1650 alone, the city's population grew an astonishing eight times of what it originally was. By 1650 the entire population of London was already estimated at a respectable 400,000 people. By 1700 it had grown to 575,000 comprising nearly 11% of the country's entire population. To illustrate the significance of this figure, take note that during the same period Paris in France was residence to only 3% of the entire French population. Norwich, which was England's second most populated city, only housed 12,000 people.
This large number of residents in London at that time was reflected in the recorded consumption of corn, which doubled in the years from 1605 and 1661. This increased demand necessitated a corresponding increase in the manufacturing of food and produce and the farming industry in the Home Counties rose up to meet the challenge. The task of providing food for this hungry population fell upon the shoulders of the London Food Market, which was a complex system of institutions and activities revolving around food production. Under this organization the Thames Valley was in charge of providing grain while Kent was tasked with supplying the city with fruits. Wales for its part was responsible for supplying the cattle needs of the city.
Economically speaking, London at this period enjoyed total control of the country managing over 90% of the country's foreign trade industry. In addition, the rest of the England depended on the city to raise the capital that was crucial in continuing industrial development. As London continued its growth, the city's demands for all manner of goods and products grew as well. London became England's centre of government, administration, law and finance and by 1640 the city was home to the country's wealthiest people.
The presence of a large number of rich and powerful people threatened King Charles II control over the city. He had very little allies at this point and was losing his hold on the city would mean the loss of much of the nation's financial, political, economic and military resources and would have very grave consequences on his reign.
Indeed a wave of general discontent about London was rising all over the country. Merchants in the outlying cities and provinces were beginning to voice their complaints about London's unscrupulous business practices from as early as 1604. They were particularly opposed to the London merchant's routine of purchasing every possible product in huge quantities in a practice called engrossing, as a means of securing a tight control over the country's economy. These provincial merchants were also against the fact that the city merchants were monopolizing virtually every facet of trade in the country.
All these factors, along with many other perceived grievances gradually built up to a wave of dissent against the crown and a confrontation was inevitable.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 26/02/2007
