Dr Ellen Paterson

My research focuses on the intersection between politics and economics at the turn of the seventeenth century in England. In particular, my research interests lie in the role played by economic issues in popular political culture. My first book, currently under contract with Manchester University Press, examines the practice of anti-monopoly petitioning activity in early modern England between 1590-1625. It explores the ways in which the rise of patents of monopoly and corporate charters triggered petitioning action by a range of subjects below the level of the elite, with a particular focus on the activity of London's livery companies.

Research Interests

Alongside preparing my first monograph, I am also researching the ways in which local conflicts of trade and economy triggered political action, including to Parliament and to government commissions. I am especially interested in the political activity of members of London's livery companies and the culture of corporate spaces.