Regional and Foreign Trade

Timeline

Regional and foreign Trade Prehistory

The importation of desirable objects was an important part of prehistoric life.

Regional and foreign Trade Roman Fortress

With the arrival of the Roman army a wide range of imports were brought to Exeter. These included food from the Mediterranean, smart pottery from France and glass from the Rhineland. The Romans also introduced coins to the region with their monetary economy.

Regional and foreign Trade Roman Town

With the departure of the legion from Exeter the range of imported goods declines sharply but there are examples of Mediterranean, Rhenish and the ubiquitous samian pottery brought from Gaul. Items were also sourced from other parts of Britain, including pottery from South Devon and Dorset, and jet from Whitby. The presence of western French pottery in the late Roman period is unusual in Roman Britain.

Regional and foreign Trade Dark Age Town

Following the collapse of the Roman town, regional and foreign trade also collapsed.

Regional and foreign Trade Saxon Town

Foreign trade was a significant part of the life of the late Saxon town. Archaeological deposits from this time often contain pottery sherds imported from Normandy, with other pottery from the coastline between the Loire and the mouth of the Rhine. The strength of trade with France differs from the picture in South-east England, where imports from the Low Countries are much more common.

Regional and foreign Trade Norman Town

Foreign trade remained important at this time. The archaeological evidence suggests there was much trade with France, with the import of different types of pottery.

Regional and foreign Trade Medieval City

During this time foreign trade centred on two main areas, northern France, especially Brittany and Normandy, and western France, especially the ports of Bordeaux and La Rochelle. Other long-lived trades were with Spain, Portugal, Italy and Ireland. Many household items were acquired more locally from the region and other parts of Britain.

Regional and foreign Trade Tudor City

Foreign trade to the Tudor city continued from France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Ireland. During this time Exeter was also involved in the trade with Africa, shown by the production of manilas, an African form of currency.

Regional and foreign Trade Civil War

Little evidence survives from this time, although evidence suggests Exeter's cloth continued to be exported.

Regional and foreign Trade Golden Age

The late 17th century saw a rapid expansion of the city's foreign trade, the central focus now shifting to the Low Countries, especially Rotterdam. Many items for everyday use were brought into the city from the region, especially pottery from South Somerset and North Devon.

The growth of the Atlantic trades was a great feature of the this time. The Newfoundland fish trade had been of great importance to the south Devon ports since Queen Elizabeth's reign, but the boom years around 1700 saw flourishing links with the West Indies, Virginia and New England.

Regional and foreign Trade Georgian City

Coastal trade declined in the late 18th and early 19^th centuries as the city's activities as a port were overtaken by other western English ports with better natural advantages.

Regional and foreign Trade Victorian City

With the growth of the British Empire Exeter was supplied with a wide variety of goods. Many specialist shops and new trades were established in the city during this time.