This study presents a wide-ranging analysis of the economy and society of Cambridge in the later middle ages, drawing extensively on the rich and largely unpublished records of the borough, university and colleges. Major themes include the town’s population and wealth, the groups within its society, its markets, trade and fairs, the impact of college consumption, the urban land market and its physical development.

The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries are often described as a key period of economic and social transition, and urban historians have debated whether English towns faced decay and crisis during these years. John Lee’s careful examination of the surviving sources enables him to challenge these assumptions and present new evidence on the role that medium-sized towns played in the wider economy.

Reviewers have said, ‘this well-written and engaging book should be read by anyone with an interest in the social history of England in this period’ (Chris Galley, Local Population Studies), and ‘Overall, Dr Lee’s work must rank as one of the most important contributions to our knowledge of late medieval and early modern Cambridge of at least the past half-century’ (Tony Kirby, Proceedings of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society).