ABSTRACT
One of the most fascinating questions concerning jews-harps is why the musical instruments were imported and eventually manufactured in Britain in such huge numbers. Centred on the West Midlands, manufactories and small workshops sprang up to satisfy an increasing demand for the instrument. Nuremberg is another possibility and Thuringia is thought to have had a jews-harp industry, though no evidence has been forthcoming. Evidence for jews-harps being imported comes from archaeological finds and customs records. Kolltveit records 200 pieces found throughout the British Isles and Ireland. 'Aliens' and 'Hanse' traders were part of an increasing reliance the British Isles had on the supply of goods from manufactories abroad, paid for by the export efforts of clothiers, tanners, cappers and worsted makers. Developments in manufacturing and markets for goods brought about by the Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on the jews-harp.
