Benedict Barnham facts for kids

Benedict Barnham was an important London businessman who lived from 1559 to 1598. He was a successful merchant, a city leader known as an Alderman, a Sheriff of London (a high-ranking official), and a Member of Parliament (MP). He played a key role in London's government and business during his time.

Early Life and Education

Benedict Barnham was born in 1559. He was the fourth son of Francis Barnham, who was also a well-known London merchant and city leader. Benedict's mother was Alice Bradbridge.

Benedict and his older brother, Martin, both studied at St Alban Hall, Oxford. However, it seems they left the university without finishing their degrees.

A Career in London Politics and Business

Benedict Barnham became a member of the Drapers' Company, which was a powerful group for cloth merchants in London. He was very active in city life.

In 1589, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Minehead. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

In 1591, he became an Alderman for the Bread Street area of London. He held this important position for the rest of his life. In the same year, he was also elected as a Sheriff of London. At 32 years old, he was considered quite young for this role. Many older men had turned down the job because it cost a lot of money to serve.

Barnham also served twice as the Master of the Drapers' Company, from 1592 to 1593 and again from 1596 to 1597. In 1597, he was elected to Parliament a second time, representing Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

Benedict Barnham was also a member of the Elizabethan College of Antiquaries. This was a group of people who studied old things and history.

Family Life

Benedict Barnham married Dorothy Smith in 1583. Dorothy's father, Ambrose Smith, was a silk merchant who supplied Queen Elizabeth I.

Benedict and Dorothy had eight children together. Sadly, three girls and one boy passed away when they were very young. However, their four other daughters grew up and got married:

• Elizabeth, the oldest, married Mervyn Tuchet, 2nd Earl of Castlehaven.
• Alice married the famous philosopher and statesman Sir Francis Bacon in 1606.
• Bridget married Sir William Soame.

Dorothy Barnham lived longer than her husband. A year or two after Benedict passed away, she married Sir John Pakington.

His Legacy and Property

Benedict Barnham passed away on April 3, 1598, when he was 39 years old. A beautiful monument was built above his grave in St Clement Eastcheap church.

By the time he died, Benedict had bought a lot of land and property. He owned land in London, Essex, Hampshire, and Kent. His properties were worth a lot of money.

Most of his wealth went to his wife and daughters. He also left money to St Alban Hall, Oxford, where he had studied. This money was used to rebuild the front of the building. As a way to remember his gift, his family crest was carved above the gateway and on some of the items belonging to the hall.