The Society of Merchant Venturers

History

One of the nation’s unique civic institutions, the Society of Merchant Venturers’ story is threaded through the history of Bristol.

Although there is no clear documentary evidence, the Society is believed to have evolved from a Guild of Merchants which existed in the 13th century.

In 1467 the Corporation of Bristol drew up Ordinances for a Fellowship of Merchants providing that 'the Mayor and Sheriff choose a worshipful man that hath been Mayor or Sheriff to be master of the fellowship of merchants'.

At that time the Guild and the Corporation were effectively one. The prime role of the Guild was to regulate maritime trade within the city, ensuring that outsiders did not benefit at the expense of Bristolians.

A royal charter from Edward VI in 1552 was granted to 'The Master, Wardens and Commonalty of Merchant Venturers of the City of Bristol'. New charters were granted by subsequent monarchs - most recently by our present Queen Elizabeth II.

From the beginning of the 17th century until the early 19th century, the Society managed Bristol’s harbour. Society-backed ventures included the ‘discovery’ of Newfoundland by John Cabot in 1497 and Captain James’ voyage in 1631 in search of the North West Passage.

During the 18th century trade with Africa increased substantially, in particular through the infamous 'triangular trade' whereby manufactured goods were shipped from Bristol to West Africa, where they were exchanged for slaves, who were shipped to the West Indies and exchanged for sugar, molasses and rum, which was brought back to Britain.

At its peak during the middle decades of the 18th century it is estimated that 60% of Bristolians including a number of Merchant Venturers, were directly or indirectly associated with this dreadful trade.

In 1788 a Merchant, Joseph Harford (Master 1796), became chairman of the first provincial committee to promote the abolition of the slave trade, although the Society itself petitioned against abolition in the following year.

In 2007, two hundred years after the abolition of the trade, the Merchant Venturers joined with the Lord Mayor of Bristol and other civic representatives in signing a statement regretting Bristol's role in the slave trade.

In 1832 the Society was involved in setting up the Great Western Railway Company. It also played a leading role in the creation of two major Bristol landmarks – the Clifton and Durdham Downs and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

As some of its commercial influence waned the Society increasingly concentrated on its traditional philanthropic activities, including caring for the elderly, education and providing charitable assistance to other causes and initiatives within the greater Bristol area. It also continues to actively support and promote business and commercial interests within the City.