Energiemarkten en energiehandel in Holland in de late middeleeuwen

Abstract

This study analyses the economical and commercial development of Holland in the late Middle Ages, focusing on the fuel market and fuel trade. Energy was of vital importance to this society in which industry, trade and export were expanding rapidly. The brisk commercial and industrial development of Holland between the 13th and 16th centuries coincided with demographic growth and increasing urbanisation. Fuel markets in Holland developed in the 15th and 16th century from local to regional and inter-regional markets. Transaction costs were low, partly as a result of a fairly well-developed justice system and partly because an excellent infrastructure minimised the transport costs of these high volume products. Fuels other than peat were preferred only because of certain technological requirements or superior properties. Fuel markets in 16th century Holland were well integrated due to the import and export processes and a well-developed transport infrastructure. Municipal autonomy in Holland had led to inefficiencies in measuring systems, trade restrictions and tax advantages for certain groups. However by the 16th century many such impediments were reduced or removed.