Thomas Banister

Thomas Banister was an English merchant and traveler that commanded the fifth voyage from Britain to Persia via Russia for the purpose of establishing trade with Persia.

Although information about his early life is unknown, there is abundant information on his business activities. During 1550s Banister was active in exporting cloth to Danzing and Denmark, as well as in import trade from Spain and Portugal. He was a member of the Muscovy Company, the Warden of the Skinner’s Company (in 1563), and part owner of the ship Christopher Bennet which was engaged in trade with Africa. Therefore, he had enough experience for the upcoming mission.

Namely, in 1569 he commanded the fifth voyage from Britain to Persia via Russia for the purpose of establishing trade with Persia. The trading mission down the Volga to the Caspian in a 70-ton ship called Thomas Bonaventura lasted for three years. It included Thomas Banister, Geoffrey Ducket, two other factors, Lawrence Chapman and Lionel Plumptre, a dozen English sailors and forty Russian servants.

Despite the promise of rich profits, conditions were uncertain and rush, and the dangers of the expeditions were more than real. During the mission, Banister and seven others died. However, in the end the group succeeded in obtaining cargo of Eastern and Middle Eastern goods including silk and spices. But, before they could reach the Russian territory they met with another obstacle – they were attacked by pirates and had to surrender their merchandise. Although they eventually recovered enough to cover their expenses, the trading expedition was unsuccessful.

Experiences of these expedition discouraged England in similar attempts for the following five years.