Pirates and Pilchards: The Wealth and Peopling of Fowey during The Hundred Years War

The period 1337–1453 was a time of prosperity for the Cornish port of Fowey, but these years were defined by the Hundred Years War, which placed very considerable demands upon the town’s shipping. This essay explores the administration, peopling, and wealth of Fowey, for despite its large contribution to the war at sea, the town had a comparatively small population and only enjoyed a modest form of urban autonomy. The chief topic to be considered, however, is the economy of the port, for this underpinned its considerable shipping profile and remained robust throughout the conflict. Despite the challenges presented by the war at sea, the town grew increasingly prominent during this period.