The reasons that provoked Henry's voyages were undoubtedly economic in
nature.
Norway was in the economic stranglehold of thge Hanseatic League who
monopolised all trade with southern Europe. She was also in monetary
difficulties for internal reasons and, furthermore, Norway, Orkney and
Shetland were all at perpetual risk of piracy. Income from fishing wass
declining, trade was at a standstill and the rental income from the Henry's
islands was vanishing fast.
Whatever income Henry derived from his lands at Roslin was, under those
circumstances, being eaten up by his known obligations to pay considerable
sums of money to the balliff of the Norwegian crown. His answer, like that
of so many others later, was to increase his earning potential by finding
new sources of trade and development. Hence the voyages to America.
Best wishes
Tim
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