Sir Rowland Hill and the Merchant Adventurers: A Renaissance Entrepreneurs

The Rowland Hall Press: A Gateway to New Worlds

Our blog is currently examining texts that were printed by the Rowland Hill/Rouland Hall press. This press operated in both Geneva and London, producing books during the reign of Elizabeth I and for a brief period after Sir Rowland Hill’s death while his estate was being settled.

The press was used not only for commercial purposes but also to disseminate the works of Hill’s friends and associates on the Privy Council. These statesmen, while eager to publish their ideas, were unable to directly engage in the printing trade due to its association with commerce, which was considered beneath their social standing. By utilizing the Rowland Hall press, they could discreetly publish their writings while maintaining their aristocratic status.”

In this post we are looking at:

THE VVHOLE AND true discouerye of Terra Florida, (englished the Florishing lande.) Con∣teyning aswell the wonderfull straunge na∣tures and maners of the people, with the mer¦ueylous commodities and treasures of the country: As also the pleasaunt Portes, Hauens, and wayes therevnto Neuer founde out before the last yere 1562.

It was published for Thomas Hacket, who had previously commissioned the press for another printing project.

Access to a gigital copy of the text may be found on The University of Michigan Library via this link.

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The text provides a detailed account of a French expedition to the coast of Florida in 1562. Led by Captain Jean Ribault, the expedition aimed to explore the land, learn about its people and resources, and establish a French presence in the region. Despite facing challenges such as storms and illness, the explorers discovered a beautiful and fertile land with abundant natural resources. They encountered friendly Native American tribes and established peaceful relations with them.

The expedition’s findings were promising, highlighting the potential for France to establish a permanent settlement in Florida. The land’s natural resources, combined with the friendly nature of the native inhabitants, made it an attractive prospect for colonization. The explorers expressed hope that France would take advantage of this opportunity to expand its territory and establish a new colony in the Americas.

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Sir Rowland Hill’s involvement with both the Mercers (an ancient trading company), Merchant Adventurers (a new powerful trading company), likely played a significant role in his interest in new discoveries and exploration.

As a member of this commercial world, Hill would have been exposed to a network of merchants, traders, and explorers engaged in overseas ventures as the New World was being discovered.

Exposure to new markets and cultures would have sparked Hill’s curiosity and interest in exploring new lands and opportunities. Additionally, Hill’s own mercantile background would have made him acutely aware of the potential economic benefits of trade and exploration.

As a Renaissance man, Hill was likely driven by a desire to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the expansion of the English trade base and hence the identity work of the troubled Tudor kingdom at the dawn of the Elizabethan Golgen Age.

Portrait of Sir Rowland Hill, publisher of the Geneva Bibel, in the Hall Mercers’ Company