Henry Tooley facts for kids

Henry Tooley (died 1551) was a very successful merchant from Suffolk, England. He lived during the Tudor period, a time when kings and queens like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I ruled England. By the time he passed away, Henry Tooley was one of the richest businessmen in the town of Ipswich.

He worked closely with another important merchant, Robert Daundy, who was also a Member of Parliament for Ipswich. Henry Tooley's trading network was huge! He traded with ports in the Bay of Biscay (near France and Spain), the Netherlands, and even Iceland. He also traded a lot within East Anglia, especially in the busy towns of south Suffolk.

Early Life of Henry Tooley

Historians believe Henry Tooley's family might have come from either Corton, Suffolk or Catton, Norfolk. He was born in the late 1400s.

Like many young people at the time, he probably completed an apprenticeship. This meant he learned a trade by working for an experienced merchant for several years. We don't see his name in official records until 1499. At that time, 'Henry Toly' was mentioned as using some land near the river in Ipswich. Before starting his own business, he likely worked as a factor. A factor was like an agent who helped other merchants buy and sell goods.

Henry Tooley's Family

Henry Tooley had two sisters. His sister Joan was born around 1470. She first married someone whose name isn't well known. Later, she married Ralph Dene. Ralph was an important person in Yarmouth, serving as a bailiff (a local official) three times.

Henry's second sister, Margaret (sometimes called Maud), married William Rede from Beccles. In 1541, William Rede was given control of land and church rights in Beccles. This property used to belong to the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds. William and Margaret's son, also named William, was born in London in 1509. He inherited the land and church rights. After his death in 1552, his wife, Anne Ferneley, married Sir Thomas Gresham, who founded the famous Royal Exchange in London.

Henry Tooley's Legacy

Henry Tooley left behind two important things that show how successful he was as a merchant. One is the Tooley Almshouses, which were homes for poor people. The other is his detailed account books, which are still kept safe in the Suffolk Record Office. These books give us a great look into how business was done in the 1500s!