ISHAM: John Isham, Mercer and Merchant Adventurer, Two Account Books of a London Merchant in the Reigh of Elizabeth I. 1962
by G. D. Ramsay
John Isham was involved in business transactions related to cloth and wool during the 16th century, likely originating from broadcloth shipments from London. Gregory Isham, a significant figure in the Isham firm, navigated both success and financial difficulties in his business endeavors. The Mercers' Company played a crucial role in the business dealings of John Isham, reflecting the interconnectedness of trade and commerce during that era.
Credit instruments and financial agreements of the time were intricate, involving complex arrangements such as property pledges. Bills of exchange and obligations were common forms of credit documents, with bills being used for smaller amounts or intimate transactions, while obligations were more formal, often drawn up on parchment in Latin, and involved sureties and detailed stipulations. The Mercers' Company evolved over the 16th century, adapting to the changing landscape of business practices and reflecting the dynamic nature of commerce during that period.
(197p., Index, 1962)