Education - Tudor Merchants

 

This activity covers the increase in merchant activity during the Elizabethan period including the formation of merchant companies, the trade routes for various goods used in England, and trade with America.

30 - 60 minutes should be allowed for each group covering this activity.

Other related topics can be covered such as goods exported by England, the Tudor merchant ships, imported foods and preparation for setting up of a colony. Reproduction materials and artifacts can be used to show the type of items traded.

Activities can be tailored to match ongoing classroom activity.

• Trade artifacts covered in the group activity can lead into a discussion about how the articles differ from those of today.
• Port records can be examined to identify how much material was being traded.
• Letters and books from the period related to trade activities can be made available for examination.
• Pupils can role play the activities required to setup a colony and make it self-sufficient.

 

Ancillary learning opportunities such as the role of women as merchants in tudor society and the class structure of tudor society as exhibited by the various roles of merchants and courtiers can be discussed in small groups.