From the history of the English monarchy policy to regulate the food market on the eve of the revolution in the middle of the 17th century 

Vladimir P. Mitrofanov, Doctor of historical sciences, professor of the sub-department of general history and social sciences, Penza State University (40 Krasnaya street, Penza, Russia) E-mail: vm@em-england.ru

Background. The food policy of the English monarchy on the eve of the revolution in the middle of the17th century, although it was the subject of research in English-language and domestic historiography, such an aspect as the regulation of the production and trade of starch, as well as the trade in beer, was practically not touched upon by historians. Using materials from the northwestern counties as an example, as well as some coun-ties in other regions (Sussex, Herefordshire, etc.), an attempt is made to study this aspect of food policy. Materials and methods. Using traditional methods of historical research (anal-ysis and synthesis, comparative historical method) on the basis of documentary, legal and narrative sources, as well as with the involvement of factual research material by English-speaking authors, a study was undertaken of the politics of the English monarchy from the end of the 16th century. before 1640 this aspect of food policy. Results. An analysis of the sources noted above made it possible to trace the regulation by the government of the first Stuarts of the production and trade of starch and beer in order to reduce the processing of grain for these products in a number of regions of the kingdom. Fiscal reasons also played a significant role, i.e. replenishment of the treasury through the sale of licenses, fees and fines. The degree of effectiveness of the Crown’s policy and its impact on the food market, as well as its possible impact on English society, is noted. Instruments of government regulation and regulation have been identified. Conclusions. The Crown, as in other areas of the economy, did not use economic leverage, giving priority to administrative methods of regulation and complementing them with judicial prosecution, which certainly caused discontent not only among the entrepreneurial elements in this business, but also among the social lower classes of English society. Although the royal courts applied repressive measures to violators of beer trade laws, they were unable to radically reduce beer production and the beer trade. The consumption of ale and beer was widespread and any restrictions and prohi-bitions could potentially lead to widespread social discontent and negative consequences for the monarchy.

England, Stuarts, starch, beer establishments, traveling judges, Privy Council, court records

Mitrofanov V.P. From the history of the English monarchy policy to regulate the food market on the eve of the revolution in the middle of the 17th century. Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedeniy. Povolzhskiy region. Gumanitarnye nauki = University proceedings. Volga region. Humanities. 2024;(3):105–118. doi: 10.21685/2072-3024-2024-3-9