Royal African Co, Report and Petition

The Royal African Company's petition to Queen Anne, 1708, asking for their monopoly to be extended. © National Maritime Museum, London

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