Edward Barkham (Lord Mayor) facts for kids
Sir Edward Barkham was an important English merchant who lived a long time ago. He was born in England and became a very important person in London. He is best known for being the Lord Mayor of London in 1621. He passed away on January 15, 1634.
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Who Was Edward Barkham?
Sir Edward Barkham was a successful merchant in the City of London. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods. He was also a member of special groups called Worshipful Companies. These were like guilds or trade associations in London.
His Early Career
Edward Barkham first joined the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers. This company was for people who worked with leather. He was chosen to be the Master of the Leathersellers Company twice. He was Master from 1605 to 1606, and again from 1608 to 1609. Being a Master was a big leadership role.
Becoming an Alderman
On February 28, 1611, Edward Barkham was elected as an alderman. An alderman is a senior member of the City of London's government. They help make decisions for the city. He represented an area called Farringdon Within ward.
Serving as Sheriff
From 1611 to 1612, Sir Edward Barkham also served as a Sheriff of London. A Sheriff in those days was a very important official. They helped keep law and order and managed elections.
Moving to a New Company
Later, on July 10, 1621, he changed to a different company. He joined the Worshipful Company of Drapers. This company was for people who traded cloth. In the same year, he became an alderman for a new area, Cheap ward.
Becoming Lord Mayor
The year 1621 was very important for Sir Edward Barkham. He was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of London. This was the highest position in the city's government. It was a huge honor!
The Lord Mayor's Pageant
On October 29, 1621, his start as Lord Mayor was celebrated with a special event. It was called a pageant. A pageant was a big parade and show with music, costumes, and performances. This particular pageant was created by a famous writer named Thomas Middleton.
Knighthood and Later Life
On June 16, 1622, King James I made Edward Barkham a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir." After this, he continued his work. He was also the Master of the Drapers Company from 1622 to 1623.
Family Connections
Sir Edward Barkham had a son also named Edward. His son became Sir Edward Barkham, 1st Baronet, of South Acre. Sir Edward Barkham's wife was named Jane (Crouch). She and their son Edward helped manage his will after he passed away.
Interestingly, Sir Edward Barkham was a very distant relative of a future Prime Minister. He was the great-great-grandfather of Robert Walpole. Robert Walpole later became the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.
