The Carta Mercatoria, meaning 'the charter of the merchants', was a 1303
charter granted by
Edward I to foreign merchants in England. It guaranteed them freedom to trade, protection under the law, and exemption from tolls on bridges, roads and cities. It also guaranteed no increase in the
duty rates they paid.
The charter was revoked by
Edward II, owing to complaints by English merchants. In practice however, foreign merchants retained most of their rights.
In 1334, in exchange for financial assistance,
Edward III replaced the general grant of rights to foreign merchants with a particular charter granted to the
Hanseatic League.
Hanseatic League
Treaties involving the Hanseatic League
Economy of medieval England
Medieval economics
1300s in law
1303 in England
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