I would like to thank Evan Jones and Margaret Condon for their invaluable advice and continuous feedback as co-members of the ‘Cabot project’, funded by the British Academy (SG100194) and Gretchen Bauta, a private Canadian benefactor.
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John Cabot and his Italian financiers*
Article first published online: 27 APR 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2281.2012.00597.x
Copyright © 2012 Institute of Historical Research
Additional Information
How to Cite
Guidi-Bruscoli, F. (2012), John Cabot and his Italian financiers. Historical Research, 85: 372–393. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2281.2012.00597.x
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Publication History
- Issue published online: 5 JUL 2012
- Article first published online: 27 APR 2012
Abstract
While the early Bristol expeditions to North America have always been thought of as a purely English phenomenon, this article demonstrates that they were partly funded by Italian capital. Following the slight leads left behind by a deceased historian, documents have been found which demonstrate that a payment of fifty nobles was made in 1496 to the Venetian explorer, John Cabot, from the London branch of a Florentine company: the Bardi. This article discusses the significance of the payment for Cabot and his expedition, the reasons why the funding might have been advanced, and the position of the Bardi within London's Italian community.
