Edmund Shaa facts for kids

Blue Plaque for Sir Edmund Shaa near Mottram Church

Sir Edmund Shaa (also spelled Shaw) was an important person in London during the 1400s. He was a skilled goldsmith, which means he worked with gold and made valuable items. He also held important public jobs.

Sir Edmund was the Sheriff of London in 1475. This role was like a chief law enforcement officer for the city. Later, in 1482, he became the Lord Mayor of London, which is the leader of the city government. He was involved in big events, like the coronation of King Richard III. For his service, he was later made a knight and joined the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King.

Who Was Sir Edmund Shaa's Family?

Edmund Shaa was the son of John Shaa. His family came from a place called Dukinfield in Cheshire, England. It is believed that Edmund was born in the area of Mottram in Longdendale, also in Cheshire.

He had a brother named Ralph Shaa. Edmund's nephew, Sir John Shaa, also became a Lord Mayor of London in 1501. This shows that public service ran in their family!

What Did Sir Edmund Shaa Do?

Sir Edmund Shaa started his career as a goldsmith. In 1450, he began learning the trade in London. He finished his training in 1458.

Six years later, in 1462, he got an important job. He became the engraver for the Royal Mint at the Tower of London and in Calais. The Royal Mint was where coins were made, and an engraver designed the images on them. He kept this job for 20 years.

Sir Edmund as Lord Mayor

When Sir Edmund became Lord Mayor of London in 1482, it was a very interesting time in English history. There were many changes happening with the royal family.

Some stories say that Sir Edmund's brother, Ralph Shaa, spoke out against the marriage of King Edward IV. It is also said that Sir Edmund, as mayor, offered the crown to Richard III. Sir Edmund Shaa is even a character in William Shakespeare's famous play Richard III.

He was knighted in 1483, which means he was given the title "Sir" by the King.

Sir Edmund's Legacy

Sir Edmund Shaa passed away on April 20, 1488. He was buried in a church in London called St Thomas of Acon.

In his will, he left money to start a grammar school in Stockport. This was the town where his parents were buried. Today, you can find a Blue Plaque on Church Brow in Mottram that remembers him.

Sir Edmund Shaa's Marriage and Children

Sir Edmund Shaa was married to a woman named Julian. Her last name is not known, but they were married by 1471. Julian passed away in July 1494.

Together, they had three children:

• Hugh Shaa: He passed away without having any children of his own.
• Margaret Shaa: She married a London merchant named Thomas Rich.
• Katherine Shaa: After her father died, Katherine married Sir William Browne. He later became the Lord Mayor of London in 1513. Katherine and Sir William had a son named William.

See also

• List of Sheriffs of the City of London
• List of Lord Mayors of London