King James I of England granted a charter to a British company for trade in The Gambia

In 1618, King James I of England took a significant step in expanding British trade interests in West Africa by granting a charter to a British company for trade in The Gambia. This charter was a pivotal moment in the history of English colonial expansion, as it solidified England's presence in the region and opened up new opportunities for commerce. The Gambia River, which had been previously recognized for its trade potential, was now officially under the purview of English merchants, following earlier trade rights sold by António, Prior of Crato, in 1588. The letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I had already laid the groundwork for English involvement in the area, but King James I's charter marked a formal commitment to establishing a trading foothold. This move not only enhanced England's economic interests but also set the stage for future colonial endeavors in West Africa, influencing the dynamics of trade and politics in the region for centuries to come. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #KingJamesI #BritishTrade #TheGambia #ColonialHistory #WestAfrica