The original object was that small tradesmen might obtain loans by depositing a pledge in the corporation's warehouse, so that they might not have to sell goods at an undervalue when suffering cash flow difficulties. The initial capital was £30,000.The nature of the Charitable Corporation and its relation to trade, considered (1732: copy in University of London, Goldsmiths' library; available from Eighteenth Century Collections Online – subscription needed). This was increased to £100,000 in 1722, then £300,000 in 1728, and finally £600,000 in 1730. In effect, the corporation was a pawnbroker.
