GHDI logo

Edict Protecting the Brandenburg Woolens Industry (March 30, 1687)

page 4 of 5    print version    return to list previous document      next document


11. They may not sell homespun wool to anyone except tailors and clothworkers.

12. No one may sell clothes manufactured out of cloths, etc., the importation of which is prohibited.

13. An inspectorate of cloths is to be established.

14. Special attention is to be paid to promoting the manufacture of types of cloth formerly imported.

15. Cloth weavers must not sell inferior goods.

16. [This regulation] deals with relations between cloth weavers and tailors.

17. [This regulation] forbids the peddling of cloth.

18. Merchants must provide weavers with materials on credit, and, where necessary, cash advances; the terms are to be left to free bargaining, but must not be oppressive.

19. On the other hand, weavers, clothworkers, etc., must not, as has notoriously been their habit, spend the sums received by them as payment in advance on their cloth in gorging and carousing. The paragraph lays down safeguards to ensure that the advances are used properly.

20. Deals with details of the procedure to be followed in importing and exporting cloths.

21. Loose-living and unattached journeymen who refuse to take employment with the spinning mills, and attempt to work independently, are to be compelled to take wool from the weavers and clothmakers and to spin it properly; they must, however, be paid a regular and adequate wage.

Paras. 22 to 25 lay down provisions for ensuring the supply of dyestuffs, and of livelihoods for dyers. Native clothworkers may not send cloths out of the country for dyeing. Paras. 26 to 29 deal with details of guild organization.

first page < previous   |   next > last page