From the standpoint of modern historical knowledge, the monograph comprehensively examines the business world of London in the 14th—16th centuries. Based on a wide range of original sources, a picture of the life of the trade and entrepreneurial strata and the power elite of the city at the initial stage of the transformation of society from traditional to innovative is recreated. The work traces the dynamics of the development of the city's ruling elite, reflects the specifics of the formation, functioning and retention of power by aldermen, identifies stable communities, business and social ties in their environment, characterizes economic activities (trade, credit, subsidies to the crown, investment in real estate) and business ethics, social aspirations, value orientations and private lives of Londoners engaged in active commercial activities and involved in power relations. For historians - researchers, teachers, graduate students, students, and everyone interested in the socio-political and cultural history of England in the late Middle Ages and early modern times .Contents:Title 1 Abstract 5Table of Contents 6Introduction. Problems, historiography, sources 7Chapter I. London: from the Roman municipality to the city of early modern times 29Chapter II. Business people of London in the space of society and power 681. Social status and official criteria of aldermen 692. Social origin of aldermen and methods of promotion to the aldermanic community 763. Structure, functions, officials of the magistrate 934. Principles and mechanisms of formation of municipal authorities 100Chapter III. Occupations and lifestyle of business people 1351. Trade and credit 1362. Credit operations and subsidies of the crown 1633. Trade and wealth as perceived by business people 1794. Investment in real estate 189Chapter IV. Social aspirations, value orientations and the private life of business people 2461. Gentleman merchants of London 2472. Values in the “Biography of John Isham” 2673. Attitudes to education in the merchant community of London 2764. Private life: a gender perspective 282Conclusion 333Bibliography 343Summary 355Content 361