was first
introduced in this Island, is not certain; but it may be supposed it was
early practised in Norfolk, from the circumstance of spinning with the
distaff, being still retained here. Before William the Conqueror woollen
cloths were made in Norwich; but what tended most to increase the Norwich
worsted manufactory, was the number of Flemish artizans who came over
here in 1336; and in the time of Richard the II. and succedings reigns,
various statutes were enacted for the encouragement and regulation of the
trade. In 1445 the trade had arrived to such a degree of excellence, as
to rival all other nations in the foreign Markets. In Henry VIII's time,
according to Blomfield, the sale of stuffs made in Norwich only amounted
annually to 200,000 pounds besides hose which were computed at 60,000
pounds more. During the reigns of Edward VI. and Queen Mary, new
articles of Manufactory continued to be introduced, and new regulations
made. In the time of Queen Elizabeth, encouragement was given to the
inhabitants of the low Countries, under the persecution of the Duke of
Alva, to settle here; and they introduced a variety of new fabrications,
by the intermixture of silk and mohair and several new articles were
manufactured as various in their qualities as their names. In 1575
Bombasines were first introduced, for the manufactory of which elegant
article, Norwich has ever since been famed, but still the trade seemed
confined principally to home consumption; and the act of 1721, which
prohibited the general wearing of cottons, and the order for the Court
Mourning to consist of Norwich crapes, serve as proof that the trade did
not depend so much on foreign demand as home consumption. From about,
1740 to 1760, the stuff trade gradually declined, and through the
prevalence of the India and Manchester cotton goods the destruction of
the home trade was almost completed. The Manufacturers were obliged to
extend their continental connections, their travellers were seen in every
kingdom in Europe, and the great continental fairs were crouded with
purchasers for goods of Norwich manufactory. They also sent their sons
to be educated on the continent that by learning the languages they might
strengthen their connections; the taste and habits of every country and
clime were consulted. Hence Norwich and the Country for many miles
round, became crowded with looms, and though Norfolk and Suffolk, were
incessantly employed, yet the pr