Medieval History of the Swaledale

[George]

Looking to make contact wth someone who has knowledge or interest in the history (14th Century in particular) of the Swaledale.

George

[wifey]

Hi George,
Most of the info about 14th century Swaledale will be in the archives at N.Y.C.C. County Hall, Malpas Rd, Northallerton. It's easy to find on the map of Northallerton directly opposite the train station.

The lead mining possibly began during the roman occupation (from what I gather the locals resisted them) and wool weaving and felt making possibly began around the 12th century there are records of knitters and weavers in the area by the 14th century some families had quite a good local economy from hosiery knitting and textile weaving for a while. Lots of wool trade was done in and around Richmond during the middle ages and Barnard Castle around the 17th century onwards.
Other than that you should be able to access info at a public library they should have books about the era or be able to tell you of a good book store which should be able to get you something suitable.