Yeoman Clothiers
Some local clothiers prospered. They made
their wealth by supplementing their farming income by regularly
supplying the local market with cloth. With their riches they
built substantial houses and called themselves "Yeoman", a mark of status and prestige. See image of "Sunnybank" opposite.
"To
my son Brian my boith within Sancte Bartilmews in London, to
be had and holden to the saide Brian and his heres and assignes
for ever". Will of Henry Farrer, Clothier, Halifax, 1542
Calderdale clothiers who had the capacity
to organize the making of more than one piece a week had stalls
at the annual cloth fair which was held on the eve, day and day
after the feast of Saint Bartholomew, 23, 24 and 25 of August.
Booths and standings were put up in the yard of the Priory Church,
West Smithfield, London.
In a carnival atmosphere commissions would
be taken, debts settled and contracts arranged for the coming
year.
 |
9
of 11 in this section |
 |
|
