Title: Royal African Co, Report and Petition
Description: Although the Royal African Company paid dividends to its shareholders, it was rarely a profitable enterprise, building up substantial debts by the 1690s. The company lost its monopoly over England’s trade with Africa in 1698. In 1730, the company ceased commercial activity but it received government subsidies to maintain the British trading posts along the West African coast. This petition from 1708 asks Queen Anne to reinstate the company’s monopoly privileges.
Creator: Unknown
Date: 1708
Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London
