The Hanseatic League, considered an ancient forerunner of the European Union, ruled the waves in the Renaissance – before Britannia did. Based along the German-speaking Baltic and North Sea coasts, it had an important outpost in London, now almost forgotten.
Located on the River Thames near modern-day Cannon Street station, the Steelyard was a walled community that served as the League’s base in England from the 13th to the 16th century, handling vast amounts of wool and cloth exports and imports like beeswax and furs. This trading post was greatly valued by ruling monarchs of Britain at the time.
Sabine Purshouse studied at the universities of Hanover, Glasgow and Bristol. She enjoys researching topics of social history and sharing her findings.