George Barne (died 1593) facts for kids

Sir George Barne (born around 1532, died 1593) was an important merchant and public leader in London. He lived during the time of Elizabeth I, who was Queen of England. George Barne was the son of another famous person, Sir George Barne (died 1558), and his mother was Alice Brooke.

Sir George Barne's Life and Work

Sir George Barne was a successful merchant who dealt in small goods, known as a haberdasher. He held many important jobs in London's government. He was an Alderman, which is like a city council member, for different parts of London from 1574 to 1593.

In 1574, he worked as an Auditor for London, checking the city's finances. From 1576 to 1577, he was a Sheriff of London. This role involved keeping law and order in the city. Later, from 1586 to 1587, he became the Lord Mayor of London, the most important leader of the city. Queen Elizabeth I knighted him in 1587, giving him the title "Sir."

Sir George also led the Haberdashers' Company, a group for merchants like him, from 1586 to 1587. He was a Member of Parliament for London from 1588 to 1589, helping to make laws for the country. He also served as President of St. Thomas' Hospital from 1592 to 1593.

He was a leader in several trading companies. He was the Governor of the Muscovy Company many times, which traded with Russia. He also helped start the Spanish Company in 1577 and the Turkey Company, which traded with the Ottoman Empire.

Supporting Explorers and Voyages

Sir George Barne was very interested in exploration. In 1580, he helped pay for a trip to find a new sea route called the Northeast Passage. This route would go north of Europe and Asia to reach the Pacific Ocean. His father had also supported similar voyages years before.

He also supported two other important voyages. In 1582, he helped fund Edward Fenton's journey. In 1586, he supported John Davis's trip. Both of these explorers were trying to find the Northwest Passage. This was another sea route that would go north of North America.

Influence and Connections

Sir George Barne was connected to many powerful families in London. He also owned parts of a company that worked with minerals and batteries. People thought he was one of the most important and influential people in London's city government during his time.

A friend named Sir Jerome Horsey wrote that Barne was a very dear friend. He was also a contemporary of Henry Hudson, another famous explorer. The writer John Stow even dedicated his book, "The Chronicles of England," to Sir George Barne.

When Sir George Barne passed away, his will showed how successful he had been. He owned land and properties in several different places. He lived on Lombard Street, London and was buried nearby at St Edmund, King and Martyr church.

A Diplomatic Incident

When Sir George Barne was a sheriff, he was very strict about certain rules. One time, he caused a small problem with diplomacy. He entered a private home where the Portuguese ambassador was holding a religious service. Because of this, he was held in a place called the Fleet for a few days.

It's interesting to note that Sir George Barne was related by marriage to Sir Francis Walsingham. Sir Francis Walsingham was a very important person who worked for Queen Elizabeth I as her Secretary of State.

Family Life

Sir George Barne married Anne Gerrard. Her father, Sir William Garrard, was also a Lord Mayor of London in 1555. Sir George and Anne had nine children together:

• Sir William Barne, who married Anne, the daughter of Dr. Edwin Sandys, who was an Archbishop.
• George Barne
• Francis Barne
• Thomas Barne
• John Barne
• Mark Barne
• Peter Barne
• Richard Barne, who married Elizabeth as her second husband. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir Francis Aungier, 1st Baron Aungier of Longford.
• Anne Barne, who married Sir Francis Aungier, 1st Baron Aungier of Longford, as his second wife.