John Garrard facts for kids

Sir John Garrard (sometimes spelled Gerrard) was an important person in London long ago. He was born around 1546 and passed away on May 7, 1625. Sir John was a successful merchant in the City of London, which means he bought and sold goods. He was also a member of a special group called the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. This was a guild for people who sold small items like hats and ribbons. He owned land in Buckinghamshire and even became the Lord Mayor of London from 1601 to 1602.

Sir John Garrard's Life Story

His Family and Early Years

John Garrard was born around 1546. His father was Sir William Gerrard, who was also a Haberdasher and had been the Lord Mayor of London in 1555. His family owned a place called Dorney Court in Buckinghamshire. John's mother was Isabel.

John followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. He married Jane Partridge, and they had many children together, thirteen in total! Sadly, five of their children died when they were very young. Eight of their children grew up, including two sons named John and Benedict, and six daughters named Anne, Elizabeth, Ursula, and Jane, among others.

Becoming a London Leader

As John Garrard grew older, he became more involved in the City of London's government. In 1593, he was chosen to be one of the two Sheriffs of the City of London. A Sheriff was a very important official who helped keep law and order in the city.

Then, in 1601, he was elected to an even bigger role: the Lord Mayor of London. This was a huge honor, and he served in this position for one year. The Lord Mayor was like the main leader of the city, overseeing its daily life and important events.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir John Garrard's wife, Jane, passed away on January 24, 1616. Sir John himself died a few years later, on May 7, 1625, when he was about 79 years old. He was buried next to his wife in a church in London called St Magnus-the-Martyr, just like his father had been.

His son, Benedict Gerrard, put up a special monument in the church to remember his parents. The monument says that Sir John and Dame Jane lived happily together for 43 years and that Sir John was Lord Mayor in 1601. It also mentions that when he died, he left behind two sons and six daughters.

Sir John Garrard's son, also named John, later became a baronet in 1623. A baronet is a special title of honor that can be passed down in a family.

What Are Coat of Arms?

Sir John Garrard had his own special coat of arms. A coat of arms is like a unique symbol or design that families used long ago to show who they were. It's a bit like a family logo! Sir John's coat of arms was described as having a silver (argent) background. On a red (gules) band (fess), there was a silver lion walking (lion passant). There was also a small crescent shape to show that he was a younger son in his family.