Matthew Smyth

Matthew Smyth was a lesser merchant and member of the Smythe family of Bristol that came from Aylburton in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Matthew settled in Bristol and initially worked with his brother Thomas as a hooper or maker of bonds for casks and barrels. They were also involved in a small-range trade and exported wine and cloth to Ireland, importing the small quantities of fish instead. Soon after his arrival to Bristol, Matthew entered into a marriage with Alice, daughter and heir of Lewis John, another Bristol trader and came into a possession of her house in the Corn Street.

After his death in 1526, Alice continued business dealings comprised of trade and lending, on her own account.