1631 Financial Warrant During Reign Of King Charles I
This document is a 17th-century financial warrant from the reign of King Charles I, dated 1631. It relates to the repayment of funds to Philip Burlamachi, a prominent financier and the main "banker" to the English Crown during this period.
Key Features of the Document
Signatories: The document bears the signatures of two of the most powerful financial officials of the era:
R. Weston (Richard Weston): Lord High Treasurer and 1st Earl of Portland. (Connection to The Mayflower)
Fra. Cottington (Francis Cottington): Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Content: The text mentions the "Exchequer of the Chamber" and refers to "monies disbursed" by Mr. Burlamachi. Burlamachi was frequently tasked with raising massive loans for the King's military and diplomatic efforts, often using his own credit to keep the government afloat.
Historical Context: In 1631, the English Crown was under severe financial strain, partly due to the costs of the Thirty Years' War and Charles I's decision to rule without Parliament ("Personal Rule"), making Burlamachi’s role as a private financier critical.
Transcription of Notable Sections
Top Left: "Exchequer of the Chamber... upon a° 1631"
Middle Left: "For Mr. Burlamachi for monies disbursed for small [?]..."
Signatures (Right): "R. Weston" and "Fra. Cottington"
This document is a 17th-century financial warrant from the reign of King Charles I, dated 1631. It relates to the repayment of funds to Philip Burlamachi, a prominent financier and the main "banker" to the English Crown during this period.
Key Features of the Document
Signatories: The document bears the signatures of two of the most powerful financial officials of the era:
R. Weston (Richard Weston): Lord High Treasurer and 1st Earl of Portland. (Connection to The Mayflower)
Fra. Cottington (Francis Cottington): Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Content: The text mentions the "Exchequer of the Chamber" and refers to "monies disbursed" by Mr. Burlamachi. Burlamachi was frequently tasked with raising massive loans for the King's military and diplomatic efforts, often using his own credit to keep the government afloat.
Historical Context: In 1631, the English Crown was under severe financial strain, partly due to the costs of the Thirty Years' War and Charles I's decision to rule without Parliament ("Personal Rule"), making Burlamachi’s role as a private financier critical.
Transcription of Notable Sections
Top Left: "Exchequer of the Chamber... upon a° 1631"
Middle Left: "For Mr. Burlamachi for monies disbursed for small [?]..."
Signatures (Right): "R. Weston" and "Fra. Cottington"