Lordship, Land Markets and Rural Economic Development in the Eastern Low Countries c. 1460 to 1570

Abstract Seigneurial lordship is often considered detrimental to economic development. Through exercising their claims to political power, lords are believed to have hindered the rise of pervasive and efficient factor and commodity markets, presenting disincentives for competition, innovation and profit maximisation. This article claims that seigneurial backing of land markets did not necessarily lead to development, while seigneurial disruption of these markets could stimulate change. The focus is on two settlements in the eastern Low Countries that were governed by the same seigneurial lord who used his political authority and landownership to foster a competitive market for leasehold land. Crucially, a new type of large-scale, capital-intensive and highly commercialized pastoral farming only gained ground in one of the two settlements. Although geological conditions played a major role, the contribution of the seigneurial administration should not be underestimated. During the first decades of the 16 th century, it let out many newly formed large pastures on uncompetitive terms, providing breathing space for new entrepreneurial farmers. The case study shows that competitive land markets did not guarantee dynamism while seigneurial disruption of these markets could provide the necessary support for economic development.