‎GARDINER, RALPH.‎
‎Englands Grievance Discovered, In relation to the Coal-Trade with the Map of the River of Tine, and Situation of the Town and Corporation of Newcastle. - [ONE OF THE EARLIEST WORKS ON THE ENGLISH COAL TRADE]‎

‎London, R. Ibbitson & P. Stent, 1655. 4to. In contemporary full calf. Small paper-label pasted on to top of spine. Wear to extremities, scratches and stains to boards. Ex-libris pasted on to verso of front board. First 20 leaves with a few small worm-tracts in outer lower margin, only slightly touching text. Outer margin closely trimmed, slightly touching the printed marginal notes on a few leaves. (8), 211 pp. 23 engravings in text. Wanting the folded map. ‎

Reference : 60888

‎Uncommon first edition of one of the earliest books relating to the English coal trade. This work sheds light on the grievances of locals in the North East of England during the mid-seventeenth century. In 1653, Gardiner was imprisoned by the Hostmen of Newcastle upon Tyne for his refusal to cease operations at his brewery in North Shields, a small town situated to the east of Newcastle. The Hostmen, a powerful corporation of local merchants, had significant control over the trade, particularly in coal, along the River Tyne. Despite limitations imposed by the House of Commons, they exerted influence over various ports in the North East of England. “Gardiner's petition to Oliver Cromwell, published in 1655 (the present work), demanded that the Hostmen had abused their powers, and that trade ought to be opened up on the Tyne and elsewhere. He suggested that North Shields gain a market to facilitate trade, and to help the garrison at nearby Tynemouth. Gardiner's pleas were ultimately unsuccessful. However, the Hostmen's influence did begin to diminish. This was primarily due to the increased production of coal and other goods in the region, as well as Parliamentary support for competition from other local ports such as Sunderland and Blyth.” (Royal Collection Trust) Goldsmiths 1347‎