Effect of Commerce
Similar conditions to those in England prevailed on the Continent with certain local variations. A big stride was made with the development of commerce, mainly through the agency of Venetian and Flemish merchants. The effect of increasing opulence as signalised by the appearance in the home of such comfort and refinement as had formerly been possible only for princes and great nobles.
Among the luxuries imported were Oriental silks, carpets and pottery.
No. 74. Fireplace, 13th century.