British Mercantile Trade Statistics, 1662–1809

The archival documentation in this collection can nourish diverse lines of research. For example, it provides invaluable insights into the commercial policies and strategies pursued by the emerging British state during a period of sustained economic growth. The sources likewise furnish us with a comprehensive overview of the nature and development of Britain’s trade routes and relationships. Crucially, they also illustrate how Britain’s commercial interests, networks, and strategies laid the foundations for a vast, global empire.

The collection contains detailed information on a multitude of trade vessels, such as their names, crew sizes, ownership, defensive capabilities, tonnage, and the nature of their construction. This data gives us a vivid sense of the developing maritime infrastructure that facilitated British trade during two centuries of economic expansion.

English (and subsequently British) governments utilised diplomacy in order to reduce threats to merchant shipping. Following a peace treaty with Algiers in April 1662,  “Mediterranean passes” were issued to native ships by the Lord High Admiral. These documents ensured protection from corsairs and privateers hailing from the Ottoman-controlled territories along the Babary Coast of North Africa.

Despite the name, “Mediterranean passes” were issued to vessels traversing a variety of trade routes—out of 3,430 passes issued from 1771–1773, only 505 were given to vessels bound for the Mediterranean. 440 were given to ships bound for Africa, 665 were issued to vessels heading for the Caribbean, 942 were for ships sailing to North America, and 143 for boats sailing for the Wine Islands (most notably Maderia).

Throughout the seventeenth century, the registers of “Mediterranean passes” were somewhat limited in terms of the information that they contained. As trade networks became more extensive and lucrative, the state required more precise data regarding, and regulation of, maritime trade. During the early 1680s, efforts to regulate and authenticate vessels increased. The registers began to include docking locations and return dates. By 1730, intended destinations were being recorded.

The statistics in this collection were compiled by the Inspector-General of Imports and Exports, a position established by the Board of Customs in 1696 and originally occupied by William Culliford, a former revenue commissioner. In 1703, he was succeeded by the politician and former Commissioner of the Excise, Charles Davenant, who held this position until his death in November 1714. The economist, Henry Martin, was then appointed, serving until his death in 1721. Martin was the last Inspector-General to fulfil his duties until the office of Inspector-General of Imports and Exports was refurbished. In 1786, Thomas Irving was appointed.  

The trade ledgers in this collection detail key imports and exports. For example, "Cocoa nutts” and tortoise shell were shipped to Britain from Barbados; tobacco and "Indico" from Bermuda; raccoon skins and pimento from Carolina; and a good deal of linen, oysters, and salmon arrived from neighbouring Ireland. Meanwhile, Britain exported beef, butter, and vinegar to Africa; books, candles, and flax to the Canaries; whilst “Pistolls” and swords made their way to East India.