Silk Production in England- 17th Century
1609 Letter From King James II to his lord lieutenants suggesting
they purchase mulberry trees in order to start a silk production industry
in England- Part 1
In the 16th century the French established a thriving silk production industry. King James of England wanted to emulate this success, both in England and in the crown’s holdings in Virginia in the New World. He wrote the following to his lord lieutenants to support this endeavor. Because they owned substantial properties, he urged them to purchase mulberry trees and plant them. Mulberry leaves are the main raw materials in silk production, as they are the only food of the silk worm.
19 January 1609
James Rex
Right truly and well beloved we greet you well.
It is a principal part of that Christian care which appertains to sovereignty, to endeavour by all means possible, as well to beget, as to increase among their people, the knowledge and practice of all arts and trades, whereby they may be both weaned from idleness, and the enormities thereof, which are infinite; and exercised in such industries and labours as are accompany'd with evident hopes, not only of preserving people from the shame, and grief of penury; but also of raising and increasing them from wealth and abundance; the scope which every freeborn spirit aims at: not in regard of himself only, and the ease which a plentiful estate brings to every one in his particular condition; but also in regard of the honour of their native country , whose commendation is no way more set forth, than in the people activeness and industry. The consideration whereof having of late occupyed our minds, who always esteem our peoples good, our necessary contemplations, we have conceived as well by discourse of our own reason, as also by information gather'd from others, that the making of Silk might as well be effected here as it is in the kingdom of France, where the same hath of late years been put in practice; for neither is the climate of this isle so far distant or different in condition from that country, especially the higher parts thereof; but that it is hoped, that those things which by industry prosper there, may by the like industry used here have like success.
Any many private persons, who for their pleasure have bred of those Silk-Worms have found by no experience to the contrary, but that they may be nourished and maintained here in England, if
provisions were made for planting of mulberry trees, whose leaves are the food of the silkworms; And therefore we have thought good hereby to let you understand, that although in suffering this
invention to take place, we do shew ourselves somewhat an adversary to our profit, by diminishing our royal customs for silk beyond the Seas; nevertheless when there is question of so great a public utility
to come to our kingdom and subjects in general; and whereby besides, where multitudes of poor people of both sexes and all ages, such as in regard of impotency are unfit for other labours may set on
work, comforted and relieved (by being employed in the Silk-Work). We are contented that our private benefit and interest should give way to the publick. And therefore being well persuaded that no well affected subject will refuse to put a helping hand to such a good work, as can have no other private end in us, but the desire of the welfare of our people.
Part 2 of Silk Production in England Article