… had changed considerably. A new elite had appeared, composed mainly of traders and merchants. With the trade charter given by James VI & I on his departure for England in 1603, Edinburgh had indeed increased both its trading rights and city boundaries, expanding its … Their trade business depended on the wealth of their clients. The richer the latter were, the better. However, the departure of the Stuart court for England deprived Edinburgh of its wealthiest clients. Those who stayed in Scotland or …