Governance, regulation and the state

Shopping in the early modern period was a highly regulated affair, and the attention paid by governmental authorities is a critical element for understanding the wider story of shopping. Throughout early modern Europe authorities attempted to regulate market places, both public and private, as such regulation was deemed a duty of the government. It was supposed to ensure fair and open trading and to protect consumers. A comparative approach draws out aspects about why shopping was regulated. So, what exactly was regulated; on what basis was it regulated; and how effective was state regulation of shopping in early modern Europe? While far from comprehensive, this chapter offers an introduction to the role of the state in the governance and regulation of a fundamental part of the early modern economy.