Fourteenth-century fortification increasingly protected the wealth of towns. In the guidebook's interpretation, overseas campaigns took fighting men away from private disputes at home and reduced demand for baronial fortresses. Expanding trade gave merchants wealth and political influence comparable to that of the nobles, while the goods stored in towns needed protection. Some older urban defences had consisted largely of earth and timber, with stone gateways. York's near-complete walls and turreted gates are contrasted with Great Yarmouth's fourteenth-century and later work and Southampton's century of building from about 1260. Conwy, Caernarfon and Tenby provide Welsh examples.
Notable Point · 3:22-5:15
Trade, town walls and the decline of private fortresses
Fourteenth-century town walls protected commercial wealth as merchants gained political influence and private baronial fortresses became less necessary.