Adventurers brought order to chaotic time

The venture capitalists of today can find their roots in 14th century York. Paul Shepherd, a former governor of the York Merchant Adventurers, said: “Boats were loaded with goods, and that’s where the word ‘adventurer’ comes from, because it meant members were literally venturing their capital. They would venture their money, a boat would leave York and sail down the Ouse to Hull.”