Reprisals in the Sixteenth Century

Abstract

The Law of Reprisals, as it was known, represents the efforts made by European governments of the late Middle Ages to control or at least ameliorate the piratical tendencies of their citizens.  This article follows through one case, initiated in 1576 by English pirates against French merchants from Rouen who were trading under privileges dating from the time of Edward the Confessor which had been recently reconfirmed.   The matter went to the highest levels in England and France and dragged on for twelve years without any real resolution.

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Filed under: Tudors | Early Modern | Mediterranean
Subjects include: Pirates, Corsairs & Privateers | Strategy & Diplomacy