Russia Company

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Russia Company. The pioneers of a North-East Passage to Russia were rewarded by the English government in 1555 with a trading charter with exclusive rights. The tsar also granted them special privileges. The charter was confirmed by an Act of 1566. Fur and timber were imported, cloth exported. Dutch competition and the tsar's hostility to a republican regime made difficulties during the Commonwealth and the company ceased to trade corporately. The monopoly was opened up by an Act of 1699 and trade with Russia flourished in the 18th cent.

J. A. Cannon

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