Anthony Abdy (1579–1640) facts for kids

Anthony Abdy was an important person in London during the 1600s. He was born around October 1579 and passed away in September 1640. He was a successful merchant who traded with countries in the East, like India. When his father died in 1595, Anthony received land in Essex and property in London.

Anthony Abdy's Work and Public Roles

Anthony Abdy had a busy and important career in London. He held several key positions in the city government and in trade.

Serving the City of London

Abdy was an alderman of the City of London. An alderman was a senior member of the city's council. He also served as the Sheriff of London from 1630 to 1631. The Sheriff was a powerful official responsible for law and order.

Working with the East India Company

In 1617, Anthony Abdy became a director of the East India Company. This company was very important for trade between Britain and countries in Asia. He later became the company's deputy governor in 1639. This shows how trusted and influential he was in the world of trade.

Other Important Roles

Abdy was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers. This was a powerful group for people involved in making and selling cloth. He became the Master of this company in 1632. He lived in Lime Street, London, in a house that later became famous. This house was where the Penny Post was started in 1680. In 1630, he bought a large estate called Felix Hall in Essex. He left this estate to his oldest son, Thomas, when he passed away.

His Book Collection

Anthony Abdy enjoyed reading. He had a small collection of books in his home on Lime Street. He also had some books at his Felix Hall estate.

He was buried in a church called St Mary Abchurch in London.

Anthony Abdy's Family Life

Anthony Abdy had a large family. He married Abigail Cambell on August 14, 1610. Abigail was the daughter of Sir Thomas Cambell, who was the Lord Mayor of London from 1609 to 1610.

His Children

Anthony and Abigail had nine children together. They had six sons and three daughters.

• Their sons were:
  • Sir Thomas Abdy (1612–1686)
  • Anthony Abdy (1615–1622)
  • Sir Robert Abdy (1616–1670)
  • Sir John Abdy (1617–1662)
  • Nicholas Abdy (born 1618)
  • Roger Abdy (1620–1642)
• Three of their sons, Thomas, Robert, and John, later became baronets. A baronet is a special title given by the King or Queen.
• Their daughters were:
  • Alice Abdy (1611–1669)
  • Abigail Abdy (born 1622; died before 1640)
  • Sarah Abdy (born 1624)