With the development of overseas trade and colonies, England's merchant navy was developed to carry cargoe, passengers and eventually the mail. Merchants looked for new products and markets as trading routes and colonies were established, so they ventured further taking greater risks.

Small groups of merchants who had traded in single commodities around the coasts of the British Isles didn't have the resources to finance expeditions to the colonies. They began to organize themselves into marketing areas and tried to monopolize trade in a particular area. The first English trading company set up on a joint stock basis was the Muscovy Company in 1553. In 1668 the Hudson's Bay Company was founded. The most notable company was the Honourable East India Company.

At the end of the 16th century, the Honourable East India Company was established to exploit trade in India, the East Indies and the Far East. The royal charter of Queen Elizabeth I incorporated the East India Company in 1600. In 1609 the company built its dockyard at Deptford on the River Thames. The ships were constructed of highly decorated and gilded wood and were larger than anything else built anywhere. By 1858 the East India Company was dissolved.

In 1569 the Company of London Merchants was formed to trade to the East Indies and to acquire ships. This mercantile empire lasted for more than 250 years and amassed a hugh fleet of ships.

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Morlands of Westmorland, England

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