f2r

[davidjackson]

Apropos of nothing, teasels were so important to the English economy (wool making) that Edward II banned all export of them in 1326 (You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.). It seems Dutch fabric makers were buying them all up and shipping them abroad, causing a scarcity across England, in an early example of economic warfare.

and we do therefore desire that none of the thistles that in English are called 'taseles, You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. ' and no fullers' earth, shall be carried out of the same kingdom and lands;