The Decline And Transformation Of York's Economy In The 15^thand 16^thCentury

York is a quite important ancient city in British history,it has long been the capital of the Northern England and has witnessed the historical change of England.This paper tries to analyze the development process of York in which the city's economy goes from prosperity to decline and then revive again during the late middle age,so that we can examine the impact of the overall trends of England's economy on the provincial towns and how these towns respond to the crises and challenges.Moreover this case analysis of urban development can help us to have a deeper understanding of the economic history and the city history of Medieval England.The first chapter briefly introduces York's superior physiographic condition and its economic development before late 14th Century.York is located in the heart of the central valley which is the most fertile place of Yorkshire,and the diversified mixture of agriculture and animal husbandry in the surrounding areas of the valley has provided vital support for the city's economic development.York's prominent natural talent is the main reason for the city's rapid development.On the other hand,York is also a quite important water and land transportation hub,making it close to the surrounding area.The double advantages of natural endowment and geographic location make York the undisputed political,military and religious center of Northern England which in turn further strengthens York's status.By using these favorable factors,York's industry and commerce has grown dramatically.The city has reached its heyday called "the golden age" by the end of 14th century and become the second largest city in England after London in terms of population or wealth,even the attack of Black Death did not interrupt its development process.In the second chapter,facing the transformation of England's economy,the recession of York's econonry was inevitable.First,York's developed cloth-making industry has seriously contracted.The rigidness of the internal system of the guilds had limited the further development and expansion of textile industry.Furthermore the fierce competition from the booming rural industry of West Riding had also created enormous pressure on the textile industry.The city's handicraft,which was proud of its textile,gradually slipped from the top to the abyss.Second,York's prosperous commercial was also facing a grave situatio.On one hand,the growing commercial supremacy of London and its monopoly on the woolen trade makes York's business facing the risk of being marginalized even in the northern part of England.On the other hand,the deterioration of overseas trade environment,especially in the Lowlands and the Baltic region,made York's overseas trade more and more difficult.Facing the problems of internal and external,York's commercial had inevitably fallen into depression.Economic depression,coupled with the war,natural disasters,plague and the social unrest caused by the Reformation make the city fall into a serious crisis,and the city's revival seems bleak.The third chapter mainly discusses the transformation and revival of York's economy in the late 16th century and its causes.Although it can't be completely restored to the heyday of its industry which was led by textile,York's handicrafts have shown some new features.The leather and garment industry have gradually dominated the handicrafts,and the union or merger of guilds has become a new trend.York's overseas trades which rely on the harbor of Hull have returned to recovery and expansion again.While in terms of domestic trade,York have also played a vital role of distribution center of regional trade.More importantly,York's status as a political and religious center have been rebuild during the Elizabethan Age and it has brought great benefits to York's revival The large number of visitors,aristocrats and gentlemen which come to York directly contribute to the rapid development of York's services.York has undoubtedly become the most important social and cultural center in northern England,and this is extremely important reason for York's revival.