Bardi family
The firm run by this Florentine family is a notable example of the hazards attending the great fortunes that could be built up through international trade and banking in the late 13th century and early 14th century. Working through branches in Italy, England, France and Flanders, by 1310 the Bardi had become the wealthiest family in Florence. Much of their capital, however, was deployed in loans to rulers extended in exchange for monopolistic export licences for commodities varying from dairy products (Naples) to wool (England). In spite of large landholdings their fortunes were overdependent on those of their chief debtors and the bankruptcy of Edward III of England was followed by their own in 1345-46.
