Hamo de Chigwell facts for kids

Hamo de Chigwell (sometimes called Hamond) was an important English merchant and politician who lived a long time ago. He was the Lord Mayor of London seven times between 1319 and 1327. He was a very well-known person, and some people loved him, while others didn't. He played a big part in the power struggles between King Edward II and Queen Isabella.

Early Life of Hamo Chigwell

Chigwell was also known as Hamond de Dene. His father was Thomas Chigwell, and his mother was Cecilia. He had three men who died before him, who might have been his brothers. Hamo de Chigwell worked as a fishmonger, selling fish.

Chigwell's Time as Mayor

Chigwell served as London's mayor seven times. These years were 1319, 1321, 1322, 1324, 1325, 1326, and 1327. For a short time in 1326, he was replaced by Richard de Betoyne.

During some of his time as mayor, King Edward II took away London's right to choose its own mayor. This happened in 1321 when Nicholas de Farndone was removed. Instead, Chigwell served as a "royal warden," meaning he was chosen by the King. The King gave Chigwell special powers to arrest people and manage the lands of those who rebelled against the King.

First Term as Mayor

When Chigwell first became mayor, there was a lot of political trouble in London. Different groups, like the craftspeople and the city leaders (called aldermen), were arguing. Chigwell supported the craftspeople.

During his first term, London got a new set of rules for the city. These rules said that city officials would be chosen by the community. They could also be removed by the community. Aldermen were not allowed to serve as mayor two times in a row. Also, to become a citizen of London, new people had to be supported by six people from their trade.

Balancing Power in London

Throughout Chigwell's time as mayor, there were big power struggles during King Edward II's reign. A powerful person named Despenser was very influential. Chigwell had to be careful. He needed to stay popular with the people of London, but also keep the government happy.

He decided that London would stay neutral in the fight between Despenser and the nobles. He kept order in the city with a patrol of a thousand people. This plan had mixed results. Chigwell was removed from office in 1323, but he later returned.

Challenges and Return

In 1326, during Chigwell's term, London had many riots and fights between different groups. When Queen Isabella returned from France with her son Edward III and Roger de Mortimer, Chigwell had to hide for his safety.

Mortimer specifically targeted Chigwell and other important Londoners to weaken the city's leadership. Chigwell was brought to trial. The people judging him were mostly against him. One of them, an alderman named John de Cotun, said very harsh things about Chigwell. Chigwell faced serious charges and was ordered to be arrested. However, because he was so popular with the citizens, he was only put under arrest in a place called Orsett. Bishop Gravesend watched over him there.

Later, as people became more unhappy with Mortimer, Bishop Gravesend released Chigwell. Chigwell made a triumphant return to London, welcomed by the people. Even though Queen Isabella ordered his arrest again, the citizens helped him avoid capture.

Later Life and Death

Hamo de Chigwell lived until 1332. He died peacefully in his bed that year.