The article is dedicated to William de la Pole, an English financier and merchant of the 14th century. The results of the analysis of narrative, documentary sources, as well as modern scientific literature are presented. Activities of W. de la Pole is shown against the background of the socio-economic and political history of England. The characteristic of the early activities of the merchant, his role as a Royal financier and participation and participation in solving the financial and

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... problems of the state during the Hundred Years' War is given. The trials of William de la Pole 1340–1344, 1353–1354 are considered. Conclusions about the role of merchants in the economy and politics of the country of the XIV century are made.