Antonio Bonvisi facts for kids

Antonio Bonvisi (died 1558) was an important merchant and banker in London. He was from Italy but lived in England. He also worked for the English government and helped Italian bishops. Antonio was good friends with many smart people of his time, especially Thomas More.

Antonio Bonvisi: A Life of Trade and Friendship

Antonio Bonvisi's family lived in England even before he was born. He might have been born there himself. By 1513, he was already a successful merchant. He was starting to build the large fortune he became known for. That year, King Henry VIII let him pay no customs taxes for five years. This was to repay a loan Antonio had given to the king. He traded a lot in wool. He also brought in jewels and other items from other countries. Cardinal Wolsey was one of his main customers for these goods.

A Banker for the Government

Antonio Bonvisi also worked as a banker for the government. He sent money and letters to ambassadors in France, Italy, and other places. Sometimes, his contacts helped him get news from other countries even faster than the government did. He was a supporter and friend of many educated people. He especially liked those who had studied in Italy. People like Thomas Starkey, Thomas Wynter, and Florence Volusenus thanked him for his help.

Friend of Thomas More

Sir Thomas More, in one of his last letters from the Tower of London, wrote about Antonio. He said he had been like a "continual nursling" (someone cared for since childhood) in the Bonvisi home for almost forty years. He called Antonio the most loyal of his friends. Reginald Pole also spoke highly of Antonio. When Queen Mary became queen, Bonvisi helped connect her with Pole. He also helped William Peto, who had left England after speaking out against King Henry VIII.

His Home in London

Antonio lived in London at Crosby Hall. This building was on Bishopsgate Street and was then called Crosbyes Place. He first rented it from a church called St. Helen's. He bought this lease from Thomas More. After King Henry VIII closed down the church, Antonio bought Crosby Hall from the king. He also bought a house in St. Mary Axe and land near Chelmsford. This happened between 1538 and 1542. He sold the house in St. Mary Axe to Balthazar Guercy. Guercy was a respected doctor who had worked for Queen Catherine of Aragon.

Later Life and Return

When King Edward VI started his rule, Antonio Bonvisi got his business in order. He later left England for Europe. He gave the lease of Crosby Hall to his tenants, William Roper and William Rastell. He also gave them ownership of the house. However, most of these people were Catholics who left England before Antonio did. In 1550, the sheriffs of London took Crosby Hall. They also took the homes of Dr. John Clement and Guercy. The house then went to Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Temple Hurst. But Antonio soon got it back when Queen Mary became queen.

In 1553, when King Edward VI's parliament offered a general pardon, Antonio Bonvisi was specifically not included. This meant he was still considered an enemy of the state. Other people not pardoned included Cardinal Pole, the two doctors mentioned earlier, and John Story. Antonio Bonvisi died on December 7, 1558. He was buried in Leuven, a city in Belgium. He left his English property to his nephew, Benedict Bonvisi.