John Carpenter (town clerk) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Carpenter, the younger
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Statue of John Carpenter by Samuel Nixon, The Great Hall, City of London School
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| Born | c. 1372; baptised 18 December 1378 Unknown location; baptised Hereford Cathedral
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| Died | Between 8 March 1441 (will) and 12 May 1442 (will proved) – maybe April 1442 Buried in Westminster Abbey
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| Nationality | English |
| Other names | John Carpenter, town clerk of London |
| Occupation | Town Clerk of London, author, founder |
| Known for | Liber Albus, City of London School, Member of Parliament from London |
John Carpenter (around 1372–1442) was an important person in London during the time of Kings Henry V and Henry VI. He was the Town Clerk of London, which meant he was a chief officer who kept records and managed the city's official business.
John Carpenter wrote the first book about English common law, called Liber Albus (which means "White Book"). He was also a member of the English Parliament for London in 1425. Today, he is best known as the person who helped start the City of London School for boys. He lived in the area of St. Peter, Cornhill, London, and was buried in Westminster Abbey after he died. His wife, Katherine, was buried there later too.
John Carpenter is often called "John Carpenter, the younger" in old documents. This helped people tell him apart from other important people named John Carpenter at the time. For example, he had an older brother also named John Carpenter.
Contents
Early Life and Career
We don't know much about John Carpenter's early life. Historians believe he was born around 1372. He was likely trained by John Marchaunt, who was the Town Clerk before him. This training helped him learn a lot about the law.
He became the Town Clerk of the City of London on April 20, 1417. He was about 45 years old then. He had probably worked for the City of London since he was young.
Marriage and Family
John Carpenter was married to a woman named Katherine. We don't know when they got married or what her last name was before she married him. Katherine was born around 1372 in a place called Zeeland, which is now part of the Netherlands.
John and Katherine did not have any children. Katherine passed away in 1458 and was buried next to her husband in Westminster Abbey.
Public Service
John Carpenter was elected as the Town Clerk of London in 1417. This was just two years after the famous Battle of Agincourt. As Town Clerk, he was responsible for many important city documents and decisions.
King Henry VI gave John Carpenter a special letter in 1418. This letter said he didn't have to do any military or civil duties for the rest of his life. This included not having to be elected as a member of Parliament or become a knight. We don't know exactly why he received this special treatment, but it shows he must have done something very important for the King.
Even with this exemption, John Carpenter still served as a member of the English Parliament for London in 1425.
John Carpenter's Coat of Arms
A coat of arms is a special design that represents a family or a person. John Carpenter's coat of arms seems to have come from France. It has a pattern of six stripes, alternating silver and red. On top of these stripes, there's a blue V-shape with three gold crosses. This design is often called the "Hereford Arms" because of the Carpenter family's later home in Hereford.
Over the years, the symbols and motto (a family saying) on the coat of arms changed. A more recent motto is Per acuta belli, which means "Through the sharpness of war."
The White Book: Liber Albus
John Carpenter wrote a very important book called Liber Albus, which means "White Book" in Latin. He finished it in 1419. This book was the first of its kind to collect and explain English Common Law. It also contained important information about the history and social rules of the City of London.
The statue of John Carpenter at the City of London School shows him holding this very book. On one of the first pages of Liber Albus, someone wrote a poem about the book. It talks about how the book, once white, became dirty from being used so much. It also says how important it was to copy the book so its knowledge wouldn't be lost.
Later Life and Legacy
John Carpenter owned many properties during his life, reportedly over 300! He even had a fish pond on top of his own house, which also worked as a water tank. He later gave most of these properties to his brother in his will. He lived in the Parish of St. Peter, Cornhill, London.
John Carpenter wrote his will when he was about 70 years old, on March 8, 1441. His will was officially approved on May 12, 1442. This suggests he was born around 1372 and likely passed away in April 1442. He was buried in Westminster Abbey in London.
In his will, John Carpenter left money and properties to the City of London. This money was meant to help "four poor men's children." These children, known as "Carpenter's Children," would receive food, clothes, and an education at schools and universities. After they finished their education and found jobs, other children would take their place. This support continued for almost 400 years.
In 1834, an Act of Parliament allowed several funds, including John Carpenter's gift, to be combined. This led to the creation of the City of London School. Since 1986, the school has been located on John Carpenter Street and Queen Victoria Street, keeping his name alive.
Images for kids
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Statue of John Carpenter, founder of the City of London School, by Samuel Nixon (1804-1854).
