Clothiers and Merchants in Spanish Cloth, 1627-1665. The Ashe family of Somerset, Wiltshire and London and their account books

Notes:

Provides transcriptions of the accounts of: James Ashe, 1627-43; James and Grace Ashe, 1643-49; Edward Ashe, 1645-55; Jonathan Ashe, 1656-60; Jonathan Ashe, 1660-65 [pp105-444]. Also has an introductory chapter [pp1-101] with sections: 'Account books of the Ashe family'; 'James Ashe of Westcombe, Somerset'; 'Edward Ashe of Fenchurch Street, London'; 'Jonathan Ashe of Leadenhall Street, London'; 'Measures of success'. Also has extensive appendices: family trees descending from James Ashe, d1646, and from Edward Strode, d1555, of Shepton Mallet; Wills and inventories; 'Summary trading schedules'; 'Lease of Iford Mill'; 'Failed voyages to Flushing'; Ashe family portraits. The account books provide details of the family, their social connections, the role of women and extended family in the business; the development of Spanish broadcloth; purchase of raw materials including wool, oil and soap; trading in cloth and its delivery to London, Paris, etc