Haynes, Margery (fl. 15th c.)

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Haynes, Margery (fl. 15th c.)

English businesswoman. Flourished in the 15th century in Wiltshire, England.

Margery Haynes is representative of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of many medieval townswomen who became businesswomen when they were widowed and could live independent lives. A widow and entrepreneur of Wiltshire, England, Haynes capitalized on the property she inherited when her husband died. Childless, she was left with three grain mills and had to support herself. Margery had probably assisted with the family business while her husband was alive, and now took over as manager of the mills. She expanded the business, reinvesting wisely and eventually building a small shop with her profits.

Laura York , Riverside, California

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