Royal Charter Collection

Portrait of Charles II from the Hudsons Bay Company Charter, 2nd May 1670 (engraving)
BAL5799 Portrait of Charles II from the Hudsons Bay Company Charter, 2nd May 1670 (engraving) by English School, (17th century); Hudson Bay Company

Installation of the Prince of Wales as Grand Prior of the Hospital of the Order of St. John of Jer Creator: Unknown
Installation of the Prince of Wales as Grand Prior of the Hospital of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England, 1888. From, The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume38

Martin Folkes, 1718 (oil on canvas)
1765243 Martin Folkes, 1718 (oil on canvas) by Richardson, Jonathan (1665-1745); 760x630 cm; Society of Antiquaries of London

Sion College, at London Wall, near Cripplegate
6340436 Sion College, at London Wall, near Cripplegate by Smith, John Thomas (1766-1833); (add.info.: Sion College, at London Wall, near Cripplegate)

A kings royal charter to dig coal (gravure)
979520 A kings royal charter to dig coal (gravure) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A kings royal charter to dig coal)

Captain Thomas Coram, 1740 (oil on canvas)
CF1618 Captain Thomas Coram, 1740 (oil on canvas) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764); 239x147.5 cm; Coram in the care of the Foundling Museum

William I granting a charter to the citizens of London (colour litho)
977871 William I granting a charter to the citizens of London (colour litho) by Lucas, John Seymour (1849-1923) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

London University (colour litho)
976227 London University (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: London University)

Joseph Rodgers, Seaman, of the "Royal Charter"(engraving)
1098369 Joseph Rodgers, Seaman, of the " Royal Charter" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Joseph Rodgers, Seaman)

The Wreck of the "Royal Charter"on the Coast of Anglesea, near Moelfre Five Miles from Point Lynas Lighthouse
1098336 The Wreck of the " Royal Charter" on the Coast of Anglesea, near Moelfre Five Miles from Point Lynas Lighthouse (engraving) by Weedon

Trinity House (colour litho)
976219 Trinity House (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Trinity House. Card forming part of childrens card game about London.); © Look and Learn

Gold Nugget imbedded in a Plate of Iron recovered from the Wreck of the "Royal Charter"(engraving)
1098514 Gold Nugget imbedded in a Plate of Iron recovered from the Wreck of the " Royal Charter" (engraving) by English School

Captain Thomas Coram, December 1, 1796. Creator: William Nutter
Captain Thomas Coram, December 1, 1796

Illumination from the Charter of Kings College Cambridge, 1446
3086774 Illumination from the Charter of Kings College Cambridge, 1446 by English School, (15th century); Kings College, Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: The Founders Charter upon Act of Parliament)

CLOTHWORKERS COMPANYs CUP, PEPYS. The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1528, london, UK, britain, british, europe, united kingdom, great britain, european

CLOTHWORKERS COMPANYs CUP, PEPYS. The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1528, london, UK, britain, british, europe, united kingdom, great britain, european

Royal College of Physicians, 1724 C013 / 5653
Royal College of Physicians. 18th-century artwork of the courtyard of the College of Physicians at Warwick Lane, London, England

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"Unveiling the Power and Prestige: A Glimpse into Royal Charters" Step back in time as we explore the fascinating world of royal charters, documents that granted exclusive rights and privileges to various institutions during different eras. These historical artifacts provide a window into the past, showcasing the intricate relationship between monarchs and their subjects. One such captivating portrait is that of Charles II from the Hudson's Bay Company Charter, dated 2nd May 1670. This engraving captures the momentous occasion when this influential trading company received its charter, solidifying its monopoly over vast territories in North America. Delving further into history, we encounter an ink-on-paper masterpiece - The East India Company Charter from London on 31st December 1600. This document symbolizes England's foray into global trade dominance as it granted this renowned company a virtual monopoly over Eastern trade routes for centuries to come. The grandeur continues with an intriguing depiction of Prince of Wales' installation as Grand Prior of the Hospital of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Painted by an unknown artist, this ceremony exemplifies how royal charters extended beyond commerce to encompass religious orders and charitable institutions. Martin Folkes' oil painting from 1718 transports us to Sion College near Cripplegate in London Wall – a hub for intellectual pursuits where scholars gathered under a royal charter to exchange knowledge and foster learning. Not limited solely to business or academia, these regal grants also touched upon societal needs. A striking gravure showcases King William I granting a charter allowing citizens access to coal mining resources—an essential commodity during his reign. In our journey through time, we encounter Captain Thomas Coram's oil painting from 1740—a testament to philanthropy enabled by royal patronage. His tireless efforts led him to receive a charter establishing London's Foundling Hospital—providing refuge for abandoned children—a noble cause supported by the crown.