Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Wool church" in English language version.
This Grade I listed church was built almost completely during the 15th century, at a time of great prosperity for local cloth merchants.
a wool church being financed and built by Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of Suffolk and Catherine his wife (with the exception of the north aisle built by Robert Oxburgh) displaying wealth which he gained from the woollen Industry
It was 30 years after the Black Death, that the wool trade sufficiently recovered to allow for weavers and well-to-do merchants to start the building of the present, perpendicular St. Mary the Virgin church.
Sheep farmers became incredibly rich exporting the 'golden fleece' and, with religious orders owning many flocks, much of the money went into building churches. Rich merchants also wanted to ensure their safe passage to paradise and so would donate portions of their profits towards building these 'wool churches'.
ts construction was funded mainly by local clothiers who grew rich during the Middle Ages from the proceeds of the Suffolk wool trade. Chief benefactors included John de Vere, the 13th Earl of Oxford and Lord of the Manor, and Lavenham's richest family, the Springs.
