James Cambell facts for kids

Sir James Cambell (born 1570, died 1642) was a very important English merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1630, which was a big job! Think of it like being the main leader of a huge city.

Sir James Cambell's Early Life and Family

James Cambell was born in 1570. His father, Sir Thomas Campbell, was also a respected leader in London, known as an Alderman. An Alderman was like a city council member who helped run things. James's mother was Alice Bright. His family came from a place called Foulsham in Norfolk, England.

A Busy Career in London

Just like his father, James Cambell decided to become a merchant in the City of London. Merchants were people who bought and sold goods, often trading with other countries. He joined a special group called the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. These "Companies" were like guilds or clubs for people who worked in the same trade, like iron-working. They helped set rules and support their members.

James Cambell held many important jobs in London:

• In 1614, he was chosen to be a Sheriff of London. Sheriffs were important officials who helped keep law and order.
• He became the leader, or "Master," of the Ironmongers' Company in 1615 and again in 1623 and 1641.
• From 1622 to 1629, he was on the committee for the East India Company. This was a very powerful company that traded goods like spices and tea from far-off places like India.
• In 1620, he became an Alderman for the Billingsgate area of London.
• He later became an Alderman for the Lime Street area in 1625.
• From 1626 until he died, he was the president of St Thomas' Hospital. This means he helped manage an important hospital that cared for sick people.
• In 1629, he was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of London for the year 1630. This was the highest position he could reach in the city!
• He was made a knight in 1630, which meant he was given the title "Sir."
• He also became a Colonel in the Trained Bands in 1631. These were like local citizen armies that helped protect the city.
• He continued to be involved with the East India Company and other important groups like the Merchants of the Staple, who traded wool.

Helping Others: His Legacy

Sir James Cambell passed away in 1642. He was a very wealthy man. In his will, he left a lot of money, almost £50,000, to many different people and causes. This money went to:

• His relatives and friends.
• Hospitals in London, showing his care for the sick.
• A free school in Barking, Essex, which helped children get an education.
• The Ironmongers' Company, his old trade group.
• He even left money to help free poor people who had been captured and made slaves by Turkish pirates. This shows he cared about people in difficult situations.

Sir James Cambell did not have any children. His brother, Sir Robert Campbell, was also an important leader in London and a Master of the Ironmongers' Company.