Hugh Hamersley facts for kids
Sir Hugh Hamersley (born July 6, 1565 – died October 19, 1636) was a very successful businessman in the 1600s. He became a powerful leader in London, even serving as the Lord Mayor of London in 1627.
A Successful Business Career
Hugh Hamersley's family lived at Pyrton Manor in Watlington, Oxfordshire. However, he became well-known and important in London as a merchant. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods.
From 1601, he was a member of the Haberdashers' Company. This was a group for people who sold small items like ribbons, buttons, and thread. He was also part of the leadership team for the East India Company. This was a very big trading company. He served on its committee from 1606 to 1611 and again from 1614 to 1620. He also held other important roles there, like managing the company's money as Treasurer from 1618 to 1620.
Leading the City of London
Sir Hugh Hamersley took on many important roles in London's government. He was the Sheriff of London from 1618 to 1619. A sheriff was a high-ranking official who helped keep order in the city.
In 1619, he was chosen as an alderman for the Bishopsgate area of London. An alderman is like a city council member. He later became an alderman for the Aldgate area in 1622 and held that position until he passed away.
He continued to lead the Haberdashers' Company as its Master from 1619 to 1620. He also became the president of the Honourable Artillery Company in 1619. This group trained soldiers and helped protect the city. He held this role until 1633.
In 1623, he became the leader (Governor) of two more important trading companies. These were the Russia Company and the Levant Company. They traded with countries like Russia and those in the Middle East.
Lord Mayor and Knight
In 1627, Hugh Hamersley reached one of the highest positions in London. He became the Lord Mayor of London. This role is like being the main leader or mayor of the entire city. During this time, he also served another term as Master of the Haberdashers' Company.
After his time as Lord Mayor, King Charles I honored him. On June 8, 1628, the King gave him the title of 'Sir'. This meant he was knighted.
He continued to be involved with the East India Company's committee from 1630 to 1636. In 1631, he became a military leader for the city's local defense force, known as the Colonel Trained Bands. In 1634, he became the president of Christ's Hospital. This was a special school that helped children in need.
After Sir Hugh Hamersley died, his wife put up a special monument for him. It is in the church of St Andrew Undershaft in London. He had married in 1597 and had fifteen children. A painting of him in his mayoral robes was given to the Haberdashers' Hall in London in 1716. Another famous painting, called The Ashbourne portrait, is also thought to be of Sir Hugh Hamersley. For a long time, people believed this portrait was of William Shakespeare.
