Henry Colet facts for kids

Sir Henry Colet (died 1505) was an important person in London's history. He served as the Lord Mayor of London two times.

Early Life and Career

Henry Colet was the third son of Robert Colet, who lived in a place called Wendover in Buckinghamshire, England. When Henry was young, he moved to London. He became an apprentice to a mercer, which was someone who traded in valuable fabrics like silk and velvet. He worked hard and soon became one of the richest members of the Mercers' Company, a powerful group of merchants.

Becoming a Leader in London

Henry Colet started his public service in London. On November 15, 1476, he was chosen as an alderman for the Farringdon ward. An alderman was a senior member of the city council, helping to govern the city. Not long after, on June 21, 1477, he became a Sheriff of London. A sheriff was an important official responsible for law and order in the city.

He later moved to represent other areas of London as an alderman, including Castle Baynard and Cornhill.

Lord Mayor of London

Henry Colet was first elected as the Lord Mayor of London on October 13, 1486. This was a very important job, making him the head of the city government.

During his time as mayor, he paid to rebuild a cross in an area called West Cheap. This showed his dedication to the city. When King Henry VII married Elizabeth of York in January 1487, Henry Colet was given the special honor of being made a knight. This meant he could now be called "Sir Henry Colet."

Even though he had served once, he was chosen again to be Lord Mayor on October 13, 1495. He accepted the honor and served the city for a second time. He also became a Member of Parliament for the City of London in 1487 and 1489. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Family and Legacy

Sir Henry Colet and his wife, Dame Christian Colet, had a very large family with 22 children! One of their sons, John Colet, became a famous English thinker and founded St Paul's School, London in 1509. This school is still very well-known today.

Sir Henry Colet bought a large property and a beautiful house in a place called Stepney. He passed away there in 1505 and was buried in Stepney Church. His son, John, was once a vicar (a type of priest) at this very church.

In London, Sir Henry Colet had a home in the parish of St. Antholin. A special painted window with pictures of him and his family was put in St. Antholin's Church to remember him, because he was a big supporter of the church. His tomb in Stepney was looked after and repaired by the Mercers' Company in 1605 and again in 1697.

See also

• List of Sheriffs of the City of London
• List of Lord Mayors of London
• City of London (elections to the Parliament of England)