Nathalie Cohen, 2006

This article considers the evidence for the exploitation of whales in medieval England (c AD 700-1550) through an examination of data from a variety of sources. Recently excavated material and artefacts held in museums (deposited by antiquarians and collectors) is discussed, and written and pictorial evidence examined in order to try and understand the cultural and economic significance of these creatures. The means of acquiring whales is examined, in comparison with contemporary maritime cultures of Northern Europe; and the wider issues of ship technology and climate change is considered.

Medieval Whales and Whaling by Thames Discovery Programme