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Flemish Broadcloth

Type Object Region Low Countries Time c. 1100–1500

Flemish broadcloth is a high-grade fabric woven from fine wool and fulled by Low Countries weavers in the 12th century, superior in width and texture…

Timeline

  1. c. 1100–1150Ghent · FlandersWeavers' guilds in Ghent, Ypres, and elsewhere mastered wide-loom weaving and fulling techniques, using imported English wool to produce tightly woven, colorfast quality broadcloth.
  2. c. 1181–1190Bruges · FlandersBruges became a node of North Sea–Champagne fair trade, through which Flemish broadcloth was transshipped to France, Italy, and England, and the city-state prospered from export duties and financial lending.
  3. c. 1185–1200Brussels · FlandersFlemish weavers' guilds strictly regulated width, weight, and inspection marks, destroying non-conforming goods in public to protect the brand reputation of 'Flemish cloth' in the European market.

Sources