Ribeira in Porto, Portugal — Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula)
Feitoria Inglesa / British Trading Post
— Porto World Heritage —
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2023
1. Feitoria Inglesa / British Trading Post Marker
(Marker Number 057.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Porto World Heritage series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 23, 1757.
Location. 41° 8.485′ N, 8° 36.829′ W. Marker is in Porto. It is in Ribeira. Marker is on Rua do
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Monumento ao Infante D. Henrique / Monument to Prince Henry (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Casa do Infante (Alfândega Velha) / House of the Prince (former customs house) (about 90 meters away); Mercado Ferreira Borges (about 90 meters away); Postigo do Carvão (about 120 meters away); Capela de Na Sra do Ó / “Senhora do Ó” Chapel (about 120 meters away); Palácio de Bolsa / Stock Exchange Palace (about 120 meters away); Igreja de S. Nicolau / Church of Saint Nicholas (about 150 meters away); Chafariz da Rua Escura / Fountain of Rua Escura (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Porto.
Also see . . . Factory House (Wikipedia).
History: The building reflects the 600-year Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, and the importance of the city's British community and its prominent role in the Port trade. The oldest British Factory in the north of Portugal, the building dates from the 16th century, when the association was established in Viana do Castelo.(Submitted on December 30, 2023.)
The Factory House is one of the last remaining that existed throughout the British, Portuguese and Dutch empires. The building's constructionwas entirely financed from annual contributions made by British Port merchants that were based in the city. The purpose of the 17th-18th century factories (chiefly in trading seaports) was to provide a meeting place for foreign merchants, known as factors, to conduct their business and to defend their interests. Conceived as a meeting place for British shippers to discuss business, the house became a private club for the British where they colluded to consolidate their monopoly over the manufacture and export of Port wine.Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 20232. Feitoria Inglesa / British Trading Post Marker - wide view
Over time the Factory House became a symbol of the British monopoly. Complaints about the business practices of the British shippers, leading to the Portuguese Prime Minister Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal establishing the Douro Wine Company in 1756, to bring more Portuguese influence and control to the Port wine industry. Among the Douro Wine Company's powers was the ability to set pricing for what the British shippers had to pay the Portuguese wine growers of the Douro. The monopoly of the British Factors was essentially over.
The British passed on their increased costs by adding them to the price of their Port. The local tavern owners reacted angrily to the price increase which led to the so-called Tipplers' Riots that broke out on 23 February 1757. Riots broke out across the city, prompting Pombalto send 3,000 soldiers to squelch the rioting. Believing the Factors were primarily responsible for the riots, Pombal dealt out harsh punishments. Both the British and their sympathizers faced large fines, the confiscation of property and jail time.Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 20233. Feitoria Inglesa / British Trading Post
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 30, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
