Society of Merchant Venturers

The Society of Merchant Venturers is a private entrepreneurial and charitable organisation in the English city of Bristol.

It can be traced back to a 13-century guild, which went on to fund John Cabot's voyage to Newfoundland, before receiving its Royal Charter in 1552. For centuries, it was almost synonymous with the government of the city, especially its port, and it played a big part in the building of Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Great Western Railway, and the development of the University of Bristol. In recent times, its activities have centred on charitable agendas.

History

A Guild of Merchants was founded in Bristol by the 13th century, and swiftly became active in civic life; by the 15th century it had become synonymous with the town's government. It funded John Cabot's voyage of discovery to Newfoundland in 1497. The society in its current form was established by a 1552 Royal Charter from Edward VI granting the society a monopoly on Bristol's sea trade. They remained in effective control of Bristol Docks until 1848. Further charters were granted by Charles I, Charles II and Elizabeth II. The society was active in the English colonisation of North America, helping to establish the Bristol's Hope and Cuper's Cove colonies in Newfoundland.