TALK 16 - The Diplomatic Spat with Russia by Helen Good

In the 16th century English trade with Russia was a monopoly of the Russia Company, which included a number of Hull merchants. Russia however would trade with anybody who turned up, so a monopoly-busting trade also flourished, both from Hull and elsewhere. In 1578 such an illicit voyage from the far North of Russia, after trans-shipment at Bergen in Norway, arrived in Hull. The Mayor of Hull refused to arrest the ship and cargo as the Town Clerk was missing, and some of the Town Council with the Russia Company agent attempted the arrest.
This was only partially successful, with the owners of the goods struggling to get their goods away. It ended up in Star Chamber and from the many witness statements we have a fascinating view of the trade, the port, and the problems of enforcement. My favourite character is Widow Broderick, whose goods had been arrested. She liberated them with her two porters and a crowbar. They were hers, and she had her customs clearance, and she was going to take them.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 12 September:

1000

Location & directions

Wrecking Ball Music and Books, 15 Whitefriargate, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU1 2ER

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Please note there is a staircase up to the lecture room.

Back to results