Society of Merchant Venturers
The Society of Merchant Venturers is a charitable organisation in the English city of Bristol.
It can be traced back to a 13th-century guild, which went on to fund John Cabot's voyage to Newfoundland, before receiving its Royal Charter in 1552. For centuries, it was almost synonymous with the government of Bristol, especially its port. In recent times, the society's activities have centred on charitable agendas.
The Society played a big part in the development of Bristol, including the building of Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Great Western Railway. It was also responsible for the development of Bristol's educational institutions, including the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and City of Bristol College.[1]