For my Swiss matriculate I have to write a kind of thesis of about 4000 words. I always wanted my subject to be about the Anarchy, however, no subject I could think of was precise enough to allow me to comfortably complete the 4000 word limit. Then, when having a conversation with a Belgian friend of mine about Flemish history, it struck me. I have decided to write my thesis on "Mercenaries, merchants and moneylenders: Flemish involvement in the crown lands of the Kingdom of England in the mid-twelfth century (1130-1160)". I was therefore wondering if anyone, especially in our Belgian members, could point to any books related to the subject, namely a history of Flanders in the Middle Ages, the textile industry in Flanders during that time, links with England, and generally anything to do with Flemish "mercenaries, merchants and moneylenders" in the twelfth century.
Thank you.