Nova Britannia Title Page, 1609

By the 17th century, England was one of the leading world powers involved in trade. Wealthy merchants created a number of companies to set up trade and exploration throughout the world. Each company was made up of individuals who would purchase shares of the company stock and then were given the opportunity to explore and settle a particular area, hoping to profit financially from the use of natural resources. Profits were shared among the investors.

One of these privately owned businesses was the Virginia Company of London. One single share of stock in the Virginia Company cost twelve pounds and ten shillings, and all who purchased the stocks shared in the success or failure of the venture. In order to increase share sales, a media campaign began in 1609 where the company had pamphlets and broadsides, like Nova Britannia, created in order to raise interest in company stocks.

Citation: Nova Britannia, title page, 1609. Manuscripts & Special Collections, F229.J676, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

History: USI.5, VS.1, VS.3
Art: 4.1, 5.1

Analyze: How would you describe the language used in the picture? What does it imply about Virginia?

Artistic Exploration: Draw an advertisement promoting settling in Virginia. 

In Their Shoes: If you were an English investor at this time, would you invest in the Virginia Company of London? Explain your answer.