Scotland – Its Unique Story Part 4

                     Eleventh Century Developments

Scotland – Its Unique Story Part 4. From the beginning 0f the 1100’s there was a renewed influx of people from abroad . Mainly in to the newly established Scottish Royal burghs such as Berwick and Roxburgh . These newcomers including several important monastic orders helped transform the Scottish economy. From being overwhelmingly rural and agricultural to being more diverse. The Cistercian monks of Melrose Abbey developed a particularly famous and highly regarded wool. This was extensively exported to Flanders and through the Hanseatic League to the wider trade networks which had been established through Northern Europe.

                                          New Technologies

As previously these new arrivals introduced new methods of doing things. This was particularly true in such areas as agriculture, trade and technology. The new improved, heavier ploughs had a profound effect of Scottish agriculture and served to greatly stimulate food production. These important trade links were centered on the Baltic region and the Low countries.    With the next few centuries seeing a continual strengthening of these connections until they reached major proportions in the seventeenth century. Together with the continuing Scandinavian influences. particularly in the Northern and Western Isles.

                                     Connections with the Low Countries

There was a particularly large influx of Flemish people from Flanders to the Royal burghs such as Berwick. Leading to the growth of very strong trade connections with the Low countries based principally on wool, leather, and cloth. These connections lead to a large Scottish trade with Bruges augmented by a strong presence of Scottish traders in the city. From the sixteenth century onwards this trade and presence moved to Camp Veere  in the Netherlands.