Early Edinburgh was governed by its Burgesses who had exclusive rights under the crown to trade and conduct business. They dominated and chose the town council and how the town was developed and how commerce was organised to their benefit. These Burgesses came from the Merchants and Tradesmen Classes and via their Guildry and Incorporated Trades ruled Edinburgh with an iron fist. Of course, these bodies weren’t always in good terms and squabbles and rivalries between them often spilled over.
Dr Aaron Allen FSA Scot, SPHEA, a Member of the Incorporated Trades of the City of Edinburgh and the Incorporation of Bonnetmakers and Dyers, will tell the story of the formation of the Incorporation of Trades in the 15th Century and how their rivalries with the Merchants Guild were settled into an amicable truce.
Speaker
Dr Aaron Allen FSA Scot, SPHEA
Dr Allen is an Academic Developer at the Institute of Academic Development of the University of Edinburgh. He is an acclaimed teacher and historian with a particular interest in the early development of crafts and trades in Edinburgh. He is the author of many books and academic articles including the award winning ‘Building Early Modern Edinburgh: A Social History of Craftwork and Incorporation’
Booking details to be confirmed.
