Memel in the 19th century

(Klaipeda, Lithuania)

Memel was also a hugely important source of timber for Dundee. Importation of Scandinavian timber had collapsed at the start of the nineteenth century as a result of stringent import duties put in place to support importation from North American colonies. However, timber from Memel had become so cheap that by 1829 almost 30% of fir imported to Dundee came from there. It was also the largest supplier of lathwood. Jackson (Trade and Shipping Of Dundee) points out the attraction to merchants of mixed timber/flax cargoes from Memel.

The 18th and 19th centuries also saw the rise of Memel as a shipbuilding centre.