Capítulo 20: The Baron's Vision
[EDWARD'S POV]
21 December, 1336
Today, I received the survey reports, and it's evident that Boris and his team worked tirelessly to compile this data. Their dedication deserves recognition, and perhaps a Christmas bonus would be a pleasant surprise for them. The expression on Boris's face would be a sight to behold.
Here's a summary of the report:
Land Area: Approximately 36,000 Acres (14,000 Acres owned by me, 22,000 Acres owned by residents including knights, farmers, and merchants).
Population: 5,168 residents, with Wymondham housing 2,234 and Attleborough being the second major location with 1,191 residents.
Age Groups:
- 0-16: 1,455
- 16-30: 2,587
- 30-50: 871
- 50+: 255
Literacy Rate: A mere 9%, highlighting the monopoly of education within the nobility. Of the literate individuals, 6% are from knight families, local landlords, village leaders' families, and affluent merchants. The remaining 3% are from professions requiring some education, such as blacksmiths skilled in working with metals and numbers or scribes with a command of language.
Income Groups (Men above the age of 16):
- Unemployed: 24%
- Earning <1 shilling/month: 40%
- Earning 1 shilling - 3 shillings/month: 25%
- Earning >3 shillings/month: 14%
Estimated Tax: Approximately 24 pounds per month.
These detailed statistics provide valuable insights into the demographic and economic landscape of the barony, which will serve as a solid foundation for planning future initiatives and addressing issues like education and income disparities.
The Plantagenet Passage Project continues to make progress and is now a quarter of the way towards completion. This endeavor has not only advanced the infrastructure but also provided gainful employment to a significant portion of the local population. As a result, my reputation has noticeably improved, elevating it from a 'B-' to a solid 'B' in the eyes of the public.
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24 December, 1336
I took great care to ensure that every skilled merchant and artisan received the announcement about this evening's meeting. Our officials diligently visited their workshops and establishments, personally delivering the news. For this gathering, I chose the tournament arena as my stage to endorse and promote the Guild of Wymondham. Presently, I stand at the heart of the arena, encircled by hundreds of artisans and merchants who have gathered for this event.
"Today, I stand before you, not as a lord or a ruler, but as a fellow resident of Wymondham, a member of this vibrant community, and a believer in the potential that lies within the hearts and hands of each and every one of you. It is with great pleasure that I address you today to introduce an initiative that, I believe, will transform our beloved barony into a thriving center of commerce, industry, and innovation.
As many of you are aware, the Plantagenet Passage Project is well underway, and it has not only changed the physical landscape of our town but has also begun to alter the very essence of our society. This ambitious undertaking aims to connect us to the larger world, making Wymondham a hub of trade and opportunity. It's a vision of progress and prosperity that I hold dear, a vision that can only be achieved when we all unite.
Today, I present to you the Guild of Wymondham, an organization designed to foster growth, collaboration, and a spirit of fair competition among our diverse trades. This guild is open to all, from the skilled blacksmiths, and the diligent farmers, to the talented weavers and every artisan in between. It is a platform for us to come together, share our talents, and collectively advance our barony's economic and cultural standing.
The benefits of joining the Guild of Wymondham are many. By becoming a member, you'll gain access to a community of like-minded individuals, each with unique skills and knowledge. We will work together to ensure fair pricing for our products, protecting both the interests of our valued customers and our livelihoods. Through this collaboration, we can provide our barony with an array of quality goods that will not only satisfy local needs but find demand in other regions.
But our aspirations extend even further. We envision strong trade relations with neighboring baronies and counties, even those without powerful organizations like our guild. My position as the son of the Earl of Norfolk provides us with a unique opportunity to forge these connections and influence the guild's power. It is through partnerships and alliances that we can ensure the prosperity of our barony and strengthen our collective voice in the wider economic landscape.
Under the guidance of the Guild of Wymondham, we will establish a Guild Council, where each art and trade will have a representative. This council will serve as the voice of our diverse community, ensuring that every member's concerns and ideas are heard and addressed. Our guild will be inclusive and transparent, promoting a culture of openness and cooperation.
Moreover, a Guild Hall will be erected, where members can proudly display their crafts for the general public to admire. The hall will serve as a testament to our skills, and it will be a place where the people of Wymondham and beyond can come to appreciate the remarkable talents that reside within our town. Prices will be fair, and quality will be guaranteed, making the guild a symbol of trust and excellence.
In closing, I invite each one of you to embrace this vision, to join hands in forming the Guild of Wymondham. Together, we will transform our barony into a thriving hub of trade and culture. Let us work side by side, turning our dreams into reality, and creating a legacy of prosperity for generations to come. Thank you, and let us embark on this journey together."
A cheer began building up in the crowd, and soon, the Regal Watch had to move in order to contain the crowd and prevent them from entering the arena. A smile crept across my face as I watched the sea of joyous faces. In this day and age, independent businesses struggled to thrive, burdened by high production taxes and crippling customs duties that devoured their profits.
This initiative would breathe new life into their enterprises, allowing them to flourish, prosper, and make the barony a beacon of economic growth. The cheering crowd was not just celebrating a speech; they were embracing a brighter future, one filled with opportunities and the promise of a thriving, prosperous Wymondham.
I allowed the officials to take over the stage as I made my way out of the arena from the backside. The crowd showed no signs of dispersing as the officials began announcing the details related to joining the Guild. It was a straightforward process, just as we had intended. All they had to do was register themselves the next morning at the castle's training ground, providing their name, age, and trade to the waiting scribe.
In return, they would receive a sleeveless red cotton overcoat adorned with the Plantagenet's sigil – three golden lions on a red background. This overcoat would clearly signify their status as a Guild member and a resident of Wymondham. Additionally, they would eventually receive their own personalized Guild card, although this would take some time to produce.
Currently, the Guild was more of a nominal organization, but our ambitions were grand. By the end of May 1337, a two-storey, 4,000-square-foot Guild Hall would stand near Wymondham Castle. This rapid construction, far ahead of its time, would require methods not seen since the fall of the Romans. It was a testament to the vision and determination of the budding Guild.
Watching the excited crowd, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The Plantagenet Passage Project was well underway, and its effects were already becoming visible. It was a moment of transformation, not just for Wymondham, but for everyone who called this barony their home.
25 December, 1336
It was Christmas day, and the world seemed to come alive with festive spirit. Even in this era, the celebration of the Lord's day remained a cherished tradition. The aroma of freshly baked Christmas pies filled the air, and joyful carols echoed in the town squares. Churches were adorned with holly, ivy, and mistletoe, each plant believed to possess protective and symbolic qualities. Homes were adorned with candles and small decorations, casting a warm and inviting glow.
Nativity plays, or "mystery plays," were a common sight on this day. These dramatic reenactments of the story of Jesus's birth were often performed in churches or town squares, adding to the festive atmosphere.
My father had eagerly invited me to Norwich for the occasion, but my prior commitment to address the merchants and artisans the day before had kept me in Wymondham. However, the Mass of the Christ was organized in a grand style, drawing not only the townsfolk but also visitors from neighboring towns. I had ensured that there was an ample supply of food for all the attendees. This year, as the locals informed me, the number of visitors far exceeded previous years, attracted by the news of a prosperous baron providing jobs to hundreds and founding a guild, bringing newfound wealth and opportunity to the region. The spirit of Christmas was truly alive, and its warmth and joy radiated throughout the barony.
As evening descended upon Wymondham, I found myself in the midst of another tradition, one of gratitude and appreciation. The courtiers, the diligent members of my army, and the dedicated officials who had worked tirelessly were all to be rewarded for their commitment and service.
In the spirit of the season and to express my thanks, I bestowed a bonus of 1 shilling upon the courtiers, army, and officials. It was a small token of my appreciation for their hard work and unwavering support.
But my gratitude extended beyond the walls of the castle. The servants, who ensured that the daily operations of the castle and our home ran smoothly, were equally deserving of recognition. To them, I offered a bonus of 4 pence, acknowledging the crucial role they played in our everyday lives.
As the bonuses were distributed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. These small acts of kindness and appreciation reinforced the bonds that held our barony together, making it a place where everyone, from the highest courtier to the most humble servant, felt valued and cherished.
I retired to my chambers, the day's events and the sense of accomplishment still fresh in my mind. The journey from gaining the title of Baron to this moment had been filled with challenges, reforms, and the building of a brighter future for Wymondham.
As I reclined in my comfortable chair, I reflected on the progress we had made. The reforms in our military, the creation of the Guild of Wymondham, and the unity I had fostered among the artisans and merchants were all steps towards a prosperous and harmonious barony.
My vision for Wymondham was gradually becoming a reality. The sense of pride and responsibility was immense, but it was a weight I willingly carried.
With these thoughts in my mind, I lay down on my bed. The softness of the mattress and the warmth of the blankets embraced me, and soon, I drifted into a peaceful slumber. The concerns of the day faded away, replaced by dreams of a future where Wymondham flourished, and its people lived content and prosperous lives.
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