John Hende facts for kids

John Hende (born around 1350 – died August 12, 1418) was an important English businessman and politician. He served as the Lord Mayor of London two times. King Richard II once had him put in prison. But after King Richard was removed from power, Hende became a main supporter of King Henry IV, lending him a lot of money.

John Hende's Public Life

Starting Out in London

John Hende joined the Drapers' Company in 1367. This was a group for people who sold cloth. By 1379, Hende became one of London's aldermen. Aldermen were important city leaders. He also served as a sheriff in London from 1381 to 1382. Sheriffs helped keep law and order. In 1381, Hende was involved in a land disagreement. The famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer even helped him in this matter.

Mayor and Royal Troubles

Hende was chosen as the Mayor of London in 1391. His first time as mayor was quite difficult. The king, Richard II, took away some of London's old freedoms. In early 1392, the king became very angry with Hende. Hende, as mayor, insisted that no Londoner could be arrested without his permission.

Because of this, Hende and other London officials were called to meet with the king's advisors. On June 25, Hende and other important Londoners were sent to Nottingham. There, Hende and the sheriffs were removed from their jobs and put in prison. The king then put someone else in charge of the city. The next month, Hende was called to a meeting. He had to pay a fine before he was set free on July 22.

Helping the Kings

Even after his troubles with King Richard, Hende became very successful. He made a lot of money by supplying goods to the royal family. From 1392 to 1394, Hende and future mayor Richard Whittington were major suppliers to the king's household.

Hende also lent large amounts of money to both King Henry IV and King Henry V. This showed how trusted and wealthy he had become. He was elected Mayor of London for a second time in 1405.

John Hende's Family

His Homes and Lands

John Hende owned a large estate called Stondon in Stondon Massey. He also owned other lands and estates in different places in Essex. These included Wrabness, Little Canfield, and Bocking.

Marriages and Children

Hende was married two times. His first wife was Katharine Baynarde, whom he married around 1380. After she passed away, he married Elizabeth Norbury. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Norbury, who was a very important government official.

When Hende married Elizabeth, she was about fifteen years old, and he was about fifty-eight. They had two sons, both named John, born in 1409 and 1412. Both of his sons later became High Sheriff of Essex. This was another important local job. His stepson, Richard Baynard, became the Speaker of the House of Commons of England in 1421. Hende seemed to use his connections to help his stepson.

John Hende passed away on August 12, 1418. He was buried in Bradwell in Essex. His wife, Elizabeth Norbury, later married Ralph Boteler, 1st Baron Sudeley.