ABSTRACT
The contribution of the Church to the economy of the medieval town is a large and complex problem, involving questions of government, jurisdiction, tenure and even morality, but this chapter is concerned to clarify one aspect: the Church's purchase of the goods and services provided by towns. In enquiring where, and from whom, the clergy acquired foodstuffs, manufactured goods, imported products and craftsmen's services, we can learn about the interaction between landed society and the commercial world.1 We can explore more fully the function of the towns, the variations between towns according to size and type, and their trading relationship with different sections of society. 2 A study of the part played in trade by the clergy will help to locate them in their own society, and see to what extent they were set apart, or at least differed in economic behaviour, from the laity.
