Summary: Trade in Reign of Charles II
Key dates:
During the reign of Charles II, which began in 1660, there was increasing prosperity in Ireland. Farming methods improved and the main exports were still beef, butter, hides, tallow and grain.
Sheep and cattle were exported to England and Wales; in 1665 60,000 cattle and 1,000,000 sheep were exported to Yorkshire for fattening. English farmers complained and, as a result, parliament in 1667 forbade the importation of Irish cattle, sheep, beef, butter or pork. Scotland also excluded Irish cattle, horses and corn.
A new trade in provisions began. Salt beef was sent in barrels to France and the West Indies. There was also a good market in Spain and Flanders for salted butter.
Many sheep were reared for the English woollen industry and, in 1699, Ireland was permitted to export wool only to England. There was however much smuggling, especially to France where the price was very good.
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