Bay Fleet facts for kids

The Bay Fleet was a group of trading ships that sailed together during the summer in the Middle Ages. These ships traveled through the English Channel to and from important trading areas. Their main destinations included the lands of the Hanseatic League (a powerful group of trading cities), Holland, and Flanders. Often, the fleet would go to the Bay of Bourgneuf to collect salt.

What Was the Bay Fleet?

The Bay Fleet was like a busy highway on the sea for merchants. It helped traders move valuable goods between different parts of Europe. This was very important for the economy of the time.

Why Did Ships Travel Together?

Ships often traveled in convoys, like the Bay Fleet, for safety. The seas could be dangerous, with pirates always looking for easy targets. By sailing together, the ships could protect each other.

Where Did the Bay Fleet Go?

The fleet's journey usually started or ended in the English Channel. From there, ships would go to places like the Low Countries (which are now parts of Belgium and the Netherlands) and cities belonging to the Hanseatic League in northern Europe. A common trip was to the Bay of Bourgneuf in France, a major place for making salt.

The Surprise Attack of 1449

In the year 1449, something unexpected happened. King Henry VI had put together a fleet of ships to protect the English Channel from pirates. However, the leader of this fleet, a man named Robert Winnington, decided to become a pirate himself!

Winnington's Attack

Winnington's ships attacked the Bay Fleet even though England was at peace with the countries involved. It was a surprise attack. They captured many ships: about sixty from the Hanseatic League and fifty from the Low Countries.

After the Capture

The captured ships were taken to the Isle of Wight, an island off the south coast of England. They were only released after leaders from other countries put a lot of diplomatic pressure on England.

Why Was the Attack a Big Deal?

This attack caused a lot of anger, especially among the Hanseatic League. Many people thought the English King had secretly approved the attack. This led to a period where other countries fought back against England.

Impact on Trade

One of the biggest problems for England was that its goods, especially wool, were no longer allowed in many European markets. England produced a lot of wool, and selling it to other countries was very important for its economy.

Consequences for England

This ban on English goods hurt many people. English merchants, who made their living by trading, suffered greatly. Even peasants who produced wool felt the effects because there was less demand for their products.

Connecting to Bigger Events

The attack on the Bay Fleet happened when England was already having problems with its foreign policy in Europe. For example, King Charles VII of France was taking back control of Normandy from England around 1459–60.

A Cause for Unrest

The attack showed how poor decisions by the King's Council (the King's advisors) could lead to problems at home. This made many people in England unhappy with how the country was being run. It was a major reason for Jack Cade's Revolt in 1450, a rebellion by common people against the government.

A Letter from the Past

We know about this attack partly because Robert Winnington himself wrote a letter describing it. He sent this letter to Thomas Daniel on May 25, 1449.