When was the first "limited" (as in ltd) company formed?

Question

When was the first "limited" (as in ltd) company formed?

Answer 1

I know of a Company formed about 1621- but I do not know if it was limited. It was when I heard of it 35 years ago.

Answer 2

I have not found a precise answer.  The form of business is common in UK and probably originated around the 1700's

A private company limited by shares is a type of company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, Scotland, that of certain Commonwealth countries and the Republic of Ireland. It has shareholders with limited liability and its shares may not be offered to the general public, unlike those of public limited companies.