In most European towns the imposition of a high entrance fee gave the merchant guild an exclusive character, although it is clear that the merchant patriciate normally exercised authority through its control of the urban constitution rather than through the merchant guild as such. Although associations of merchants from different towns continued to flourish in the later Middle Ages (the so-called Hanse of London is the best-known 12th-century example), most merchant guilds naturally confined their membership to the inhabitants of one city. Omer, France, actually use the term gilda mercatoria before the end of the 11th century. The privileged fraternity formed by the merchants of Tiel in Gelderland (in present-day Netherlands) about 1020 is the first undoubted precursor of the merchant guilds, and the statutes of a similar body at St. Merchant guild, a European medieval association composed of traders interested in international commerce. Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.

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Oblivion trade and commerce