John Lawrence (lord mayor) facts for kids
Sir John Lawrence was an important English merchant and city leader. He was born around 1621-1628 and passed away in 1692. He is best known for serving as the Lord Mayor of London from 1664 to 1665. This was a very difficult time for London because of the terrible Great Plague of London.
Sir John Lawrence was praised for how he helped the city during the plague. He made sure that bakeries kept making bread and that there was enough food for everyone. His efforts helped many people survive this challenging period.
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Early Life and City Roles
John Lawrence started his career as a merchant in the City of London. He was a member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, which was a guild for people who sold small items like ribbons and needles.
In 1658, he became an alderman for the Queenhithe area of London. An alderman is a senior member of a city council. He also served as one of the Sheriffs of London from 1658 to 1659. Sheriffs were important officials who helped keep law and order. During this time, he was also the Master of the Haberdashers Company.
He was involved with the East India Company, a very large trading company, from 1659 to 1660. He was also a colonel in the White Regiment, a military group. In 1660, he was knighted, which means he was given the title "Sir."
Lord Mayor During the Great Plague
In 1664, Sir John Lawrence was chosen as the 329th Lord Mayor of London. This was a huge responsibility. As Lord Mayor, he was the chief leader of the city. He also became Master of the Haberdashers again that year.
His time as Lord Mayor was marked by the Great Plague. This terrible disease caused many deaths in London. Sir John Lawrence worked hard to make sure people had food and supplies. His actions helped to prevent even more suffering in the city.
Continued Public Service
After his time as Lord Mayor, Sir John Lawrence continued to serve the public. He was the Governor of the Irish Society from 1668 to 1676. This society helped manage land in Ireland. He also served as president of St Thomas' Hospital, a famous hospital, from 1668 to 1683, and again from 1688 until his death.
Sir John Lawrence was known for standing up against the influence of the royal court in city matters. He believed the city should make its own decisions. He was again a member of the East India Company committee from 1675 to 1678. He also served on this committee two more times later.
He was re-elected as an alderman for Queenhithe in 1688 and held this position until he died. He also became Governor of the Irish Society again from 1690 to 1692. In 1673, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers. He also owned shares in the first Royal African Company, another major trading company.
Family Life
Sir John Lawrence was born to Abraham and Mary Lawrence. He had two brothers, James and Abraham, and a sister named Hanna.
He married Abigail Cullen, who later became Dame Abigail Lawrence. They had ten children together. Nine of their children were girls who grew up, and one boy who sadly died young.
- Abigail, born in 1648, married Sir George Vyner. His father, Sir Thomas Vyner, was also a Lord Mayor of London.
- Mary, born in 1648, married John Pollexfen in 1670.
- Hester, born in 1649, married Thomas Preslley in 1669.
- Rachael, born in 1651, married Charles Chamberlain in 1673.
- Gartred (also known as Gertrude), born in 1653, married Richard Peacocke in 1678.
- Elizabeth, born in 1654.
- Susanah, born in 1656, but passed away shortly after.
- Rebecca, born in 1658.
- Two other children, a daughter and a son, whose names are not known, and the son died young.
After Abigail passed away in 1682, Sir John married Catherine Stone in 1684. They moved from London to a large house in Putney, Surrey. Sir John and Catherine had four children:
- John Lawrence
- Catherine Lawrence
- Dorothy Lawrence, born in 1688.
- Adam Lawrence, born in 1689.
Sir John Lawrence was buried on January 29, 1692, at St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate. His second wife, Dame Catherine Lawrence, was also buried there in 1723.
