The Trade of Bristol in the later Seventeenth Century ALHA Book no 33

Jonathan Harlow has been the editor of this series since it started in 2009, but this is the first title he has written himself.   The first part of the book deals with overseas trade generally, and is largely based on two sources now in Bristol Archives.  These are the Port Books, kept by the Customs Officers, and the Wharfage Books, kept by the Society of Merchant Venturers.   The two sources are used together to provide a picture of the volume and value of trade by sea, where it came from, and how it varied from year to year because of factors like war, politics and economic conditions.

The second part of the book deals with how the merchants operated and also covers matters like apprenticeships, how accounts were kept and bills of exchange.   Jonathan uses Thomas Speed as his example, since Speed’s ledgers have survived, and some examples are included.  Speed was a Quaker, and his fortunes grew and declined over the years, while attempts to ensure that his sons took over the business were unsuccessful.     This is not a book aimed at family historians, and you may itch to try to discover more information about Thomas Speed’s life.   For anyone whose family lived in Bristol at this time, and especially if you know they were merchants or mariners, it will provide interesting background information.

Written by Jonathan Harlow   41 pages