Humphrey Edwin facts for kids

Sir Humphrey Edwin (1642–1707) was an English merchant who became the Lord Mayor of London from 1697 to 1698. He was an important figure in London during a time of big changes in England.

Early Life and Business

Humphrey Edwin was born in Hereford in 1642. He was the only son of William Edwin, who was the mayor of Hereford twice. Humphrey later moved to London to start his own life and career.

Around 1670, he married Elizabeth Sambrooke. Her father, Samuel Sambrooke, was a very rich merchant in London. This marriage, along with his success in trade (he was likely a wool merchant), helped Edwin become very wealthy. He started his business in a place called Great St. Helen's before moving to a nearby area.

Working for King James II

In 1678, Edwin joined the Barber-Surgeons' Company, which was a group for barbers and surgeons. He later became a leader in this company. However, he was later removed because he often didn't attend meetings. He then joined another important group called the Skinners' Company.

Sir Humphrey Edwin was a Nonconformist. This meant he was a Protestant who did not follow the official Church of England. At the time, King James II wanted to get along with Nonconformists. So, in 1687, the king directly appointed Edwin as an alderman for Tower ward in London. A few weeks later, the king made him a knight at Whitehall. He was also appointed High Sheriff of Glamorgan for the next year. Around this time, he bought a large estate called Llanmihangel Place in Wales.

In 1688, Edwin was chosen as Sheriff of London and Middlesex. This was a very busy year for England. In December, Edwin and other London leaders welcomed the Prince of Orange (who would become King William III) when he arrived in London. In February, Edwin helped announce the new King and Queen in Cheapside and at the Royal Exchange. He continued to serve as an alderman for Tower ward until he died.

In 1689, King William appointed Edwin as one of the commissioners for collecting taxes (excise). He held this important job until 1691.

Serving Under William and Mary

Sir Humphrey Edwin was also involved in the military groups of London. He was an officer in the Honourable Artillery Company. He also became a captain of a special group of 400 citizen volunteers who rode horses. These volunteers paid for their own expenses. He was also a colonel in a group called the trained bands. However, in 1690, he and five other aldermen who were Nonconformists were removed from this group.

In 1691, Edwin faced a difficult time when he was accused of a serious crime. However, during his trial in 1692, he was found not guilty. The judge, Lord Chief Justice Holt, believed the accusation was unfair and came from "malice," meaning someone wanted to harm him.

Lord Mayor of London

In 1697, Sir Humphrey Edwin was elected Lord Mayor of London. This was a very important position. During his time as mayor, he was known for his strong Nonconformist beliefs. He even attended official church services at a Nonconformist meeting house instead of the traditional church. This was a big deal at the time and showed how Nonconformists were gaining more acceptance.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Humphrey Edwin passed away on 14 December 1707, at his home in Llanmihangel. He was buried in the parish church there. His wife, Elizabeth, died in London in 1714 and was buried next to him.

He did not leave a will, but his son Charles managed his estate. Sir Humphrey Edwin gave £100 and a pack of wool to help build the London workhouse, which was a place for poor people to live and work. This project began during his time as Lord Mayor.

Family Life

Sir Humphrey Edwin and his wife Elizabeth had several children. Their sons included Samuel, Humphrey, Thomas, Charles, and John. Their daughter Mary married a Welsh politician named Robert Jones.

One of Sir Humphrey's sisters, Mary, married Sir Edward Dering. After her death, Sir Edward wrote a book in 1701 praising her good qualities.