The Honourable East India Company ensign.

Honourable East India Company ensign. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: RP_27_30

Description: The East India Company was founded in 1600 when Elizabeth I granted a charter to the 'Company and Merchants of London trading with the East Indies'. Until 1833, it was the sole company importing goods such as silks, spices, tea, cotton and indigo from India and China. It was a rich, powerful, and well-organised body that used the largest ships that frequented the Port of London. The Company also played a key role in the growth of the British Empire. Even after the market was widened to include other British traders, the East India Company led the way. Every season, its fleet of ships, known as East Indiamen, sailed between London and the East, laden with the merchandise of two civilisations.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 19th century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London