George Whitmore (haberdasher) facts for kids

Sir George Whitmore (who died in 1654) was an English merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1631. He was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War.

Early Life and Family Connections

George Whitmore was born into an important family. His father, William Whitmore, was a successful merchant and a member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. This was a powerful group of merchants in London. His mother, Anne, also came from a well-known family. Her father, William Bonde, was a Sheriff of London and an alderman.

George had an older brother named Sir William Whitmore. They were also related by marriage to Sir William Craven, who was Lord Mayor in 1611.

A Career in London

George Whitmore followed in his family's footsteps. He became a merchant in London and joined the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. This company was a guild for people who sold small items like needles, thread, and ribbons.

On June 2, 1621, he was chosen as an alderman for the City of London. An alderman was a senior member of the city council. From 1621 to 1622, he also served as Sheriff of London. The Sheriff was an important official who helped keep law and order. In the same year, he became the Master of the Haberdashers Company for the first time.

In 1626, he changed his alderman role to a different part of the city called Langbourn ward.

Lord Mayor of London

In 1631, George Whitmore reached a very high position. He was elected Lord Mayor of London. This was a huge honor and made him the leader of the city for a year.

A writer named Thomas Heywood wrote about the big parades and celebrations that happened when Sir George became Lord Mayor. Heywood praised Sir George, saying he was very capable and fair in his decisions.

Sir George Whitmore was Master of the Haberdashers Company again from 1631 to 1632. He was also made a knight on May 27, 1632, which meant he could use the title "Sir."

From 1632 to 1642, he was in charge of two important hospitals: Bethlem and Bridewell.

Supporting the King

Sir George Whitmore was a strong supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War. People who supported the King were called Royalists. Because of his support for the King, the Parliamentarians (who opposed the King) put him in prison.

In 1641, King Charles I visited Sir George at Balmes Manor. This large house had been bought for Sir George in 1634 by his older brother, Sir William Whitmore.

Family

Sir George Whitmore married Mary Copcott. They had several children:

• William Whitmore, who lived at Balmes, Hackney.
• Charles Whitmore, who inherited land in Yorkshire.
• George Whitmore.
• Elizabeth Whitmore, who married Sir John Weld.
• Anne Whitmore, who married Sir John Robinson, who later became Lord Mayor of London in 1662.
• Margaret Whitmore, who married Sir Charles Kemeys, 2nd Baronet.
• Mary Whitmore, who was baptized in 1615.