On 'Change, amongst the merchants (page 97) — Harold Copping's study of the five capitalists or "business men" as they discuss a recent death from among their ranks: in fact, Scrooge's death, in "The Last of the Spirits" in A Christmas Carol (1911).

Of Merchants & Men – A Freewheeling Flaneuring Podcast With TimeLine London

My dear friend Dr Geoff Browell and his team, Tam McDonald, Christopher Winn, and Mark Mason, producers of the London Timeline podcast, had the courage to ask me to hold forth on an eclectic and personal view of London’s history while sitting in the Jamaica Wine House, the original Pasqua Rosée coffee house of 1652.. Here is the resulting 53 minutes of sauntering sagacity, peripatetic pomposity, or perhaps freewheeling flaneuring.

Outline

Coffee House in Cornhill and Introduction of Guests

  • Speaker 1 introduces the setting of the coffee house in Cornhill, mentioning its historical significance and the diversity of company and discourse.
  • Tim McDonald introduces himself and his co-host, Dr. Jeff Brow, along with Executive Producer Christopher Wynne and special guest Michael Mainelli.
  • The coffee house is described as the site of London’s first coffee house, Pasqua opened in 1652, and its global connections through a Greek to promote a Turkish product.
  • Jeff Brow welcomes Michael Mainelli, the 695th Lord Mayor of London, and asks about London’s success as a place of commerce and trade.

London’s Historical Importance and Sir Thomas Gresham

  • Michael Mainelli attributes London’s success to its reinterpretation of history, particularly the influence of Sir Thomas Gresham.
  • Gresham built the Royal Exchange in 1560, which was a significant financial center pre-internet.
  • Mainelli explains the Dutch influence on London’s financial system, particularly the concept of a permanent trading facility inspired by the Dutch.
  • The Royal Exchange was a joint venture between the City of London Corporation and the Mercers, and it introduced double-entry bookkeeping to London.

Dutch Influence and the Royal Society

  • Mainelli discusses the deep and often forgotten Dutch influence on London, including the Hanseatic League’s control over trade.
  • The Royal Society, which grew out of Gresham College, was influenced by the Dutch, particularly in the fields of mathematics and engineering.
  • The Great Fire of London stimulated the need for better measurement and surveying, leading to Robert Hooke’s role as the city surveyor.
  • The monument at Pudding Lane, designed by Hooke, was intended to measure the parallax of stars but was hindered by vibrations and wind.

Common Law and International Finance

  • Mainelli explains why London is a significant center for international wholesale finance, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
  • Common law is favored by business people due to its flexibility and evolutionary nature, which is crucial for international contracts.
  • Mainelli emphasizes the importance of defense and security, rule of law, access to talent, and open trade in London’s success.
  • The City of London Corporation is concerned about threats to the British judiciary and the rule of law, particularly during times of political instability.

The Role of the Lord Mayor and City Development

  • Mainelli describes the role of the Lord Mayor in creating prosperity, improving the built environment, and connecting people for deals.
  • The concept of “permeability” in city planning, allowing pedestrians to walk through buildings, has been promoted by the City of London.
  • Mainelli highlights the importance of groundage, which encourages large chunks of ground floor space for pedestrian access.
  • The City of London has seen significant development, including new hotels, museums, and shopping areas, making it more accessible and attractive.

Thames Sailing Barges and London’s Historical Transport

  • Mainelli discusses the historical significance of the Thames and Thames sailing barges, which were crucial for London’s trade and transportation.
  • The Thames’ tidal flow allowed for efficient transportation, with sailing barges carrying significantly more cargo than ox carts.
  • The rise of railways in the 19th century did not replace the sailing barges, which remained cost-efficient and low-impact.
  • The English experience of railways was different, focusing on getting people out of the city rather than freight transport.

The Special Nature of English Pubs

  • Mainelli explains the special nature of English pubs, which are not too special but allow for easy interaction and community.
  • Pubs reflect the culture of the city, where people gather to work and socialize, unlike other parts of Europe or Ireland.
  • The intensity of the City of London, with its high population density and punctuality, contributes to the unique pub culture.
  • Pubs serve as a place for people to connect and discuss, making them an integral part of London’s social and cultural fabric.

The Future of London and the City’s Resilience

  • Mainelli believes London will thrive into the future as long as people want it to, citing its rich history and facilities.
  • The Thames’ tidal flow and the city’s sustainable transport system have been crucial for its development and success.
  • The City of London has a long history of resilience, with significant growth and adaptation over the centuries.
  • Mainelli emphasizes the importance of maintaining the rule of law, common law, and international trade for London’s continued success.

Conclusion and Future Plans

  • Mainelli expresses his enjoyment of wandering around London and exploring its various neighborhoods and pubs.
  • The City of London’s intense culture and connectivity make it a unique place, with a strong sense of community and tradition.
  • The podcast concludes with plans for future episodes, including discussions on flaneurs, coffee houses, and the secrets of the City of London.
  • Tim McDonald and Jeff Brow thank Michael Mainelli for his insights and contributions to the podcast.

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