 Newfoundland postage stamp featuring the arms of the London and Bristol Company | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | International trade |
| Founded | 2 May 1610 |
| Founders | John Guy |
| Fate | Dissolved |
| Headquarters | , England |
Area served | Newfoundland |
Key people | Henry Cary, 1st Viscount Falkland |
TheLondon and Bristol Company came about in the early 17th century whenEnglish merchants had begun to express an interest in theNewfoundland fishery. Financed by asyndicate of investorsJohn Guy, himself aBristol merchant,[1] visited Newfoundland in 1608 to locate a favourable site for acolony.[2] Upon his return toEngland 40 people applied for incorporation asthe Tresurer and the Companye of Adventurers and planter of the Cittye of london and Bristoll for the Collonye or plantacon in Newfoundland.[3] The company was known as the London and Bristol Company or simply theNewfoundland Company.
The company was granted a charter byJames I on May 2, 1610, giving it a monopoly in agriculture, mining, fishing and hunting on theAvalon Peninsula.[4] They retained exclusive rights until 1616 when the Crown began to grant lands to others.[5] The new grants were then initiated by theBristol Society of Merchant Ventures.[6] The Merchant Ventures were made up of many who had been members of the London and Bristol Company.
Among some of the other prominent members of the London and Bristol Company,Henry Cary, 1st Viscount Falkland became a supporter of the venture. Cary had influence in the company through his wife, daughter of SirLaurence Tanfield, one of the leaders of the company.[7]
