Out of the Land of Ice and Fire: Icelandic Immigrants in the Midlands During the Fifteenth Century

Abstract

ABSTRACT English towns during the medieval period have, in recent years, become increasingly recognised as places of diversity, with some of their inhabitants born in several European regions. Studies of immigration have, however, focussed on port towns and large towns and with an emphasis on those who originated from mainland Europe. This study examines, for the first time, the intriguing communities of Icelanders who lived in the Midlands and asks what these individuals can tell us about England’s relations with Iceland. Up to four Icelanders lived in Nottingham and up to three in Coventry at any one time, serving mercers who may have traded stockfish and fish liver oil, which were sold in both towns. In exchange, Nottingham produced goods including alabaster altar pieces, which were given homes in churches in Iceland’s coastal towns.