Family and business papers of the Earle family, Liverpool merchant and slave traders.

The archive is particularly important for the papers and documents relating to the mercantile and shipping interests of the family during the mid-eighteenth century, the period when Liverpool became a major British port. By the 1730s Liverpool had overtaken both London and Bristol to become the country's leading slave port. By this period the Earle family were in business as merchants and shipowners in a wide range of commercial ventures. For further details see the attached catalogue or contact The Archives Centre for a copy of the catalogue.