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Who founded the Hudson’s Bay Company and when was it chartered?
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The Hudson’s Bay Company was incorporated in England on May 2, 1670.1
The company’s formation was instigated by the reports of French explorers and fur traders Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Médard Chouart des Groseilliers, who, after facing difficulties with French colonial authorities, offered their services to the English. Their successful 1668 exploratory voyage to the region around Hudson Bay led to the company's establishment. It was financed by Prince Rupert, a cousin of King Charles II, who also served as the company's first governor.231