John Moore (Lord Mayor) facts for kids
Sir John Moore (born June 11, 1620 – died June 2, 1702) was an important British politician. He served as a Member of Parliament for the City of London from 1685 to 1687. He was also the Lord Mayor of London from 1681 to 1682. He was involved in companies that traded enslaved people.
About Sir John Moore
John Moore was born on June 11, 1620, in Snarestone Lodge, Leicestershire. His father, Charles Moore, was a local landowner. John was the second son in his family. His older brother was expected to inherit the family's land. Because of this, John had to make his own way in the world.
He moved to London to become a merchant. He worked in the lead business and later traded with East India. He became the leader of the Grocer's Company, which was a powerful group of merchants.
His Political Life
John Moore first followed a different religion, but then he joined the Church of England. This allowed him to become an alderman for Walbrook, a part of London. He was made a knight in 1672. In the same year, he was chosen as the Sheriff of London.
He supported King Charles II and helped the King's influence grow in London. In 1685, he was elected as one of the representatives for the City of London in Parliament.
Involvement in Slave Trade
Sir John Moore was a member of the board of directors for the Royal African Company from 1687 to 1689 and again from 1700 to 1702. This company was involved in the slave trade. He also invested in the Guinea trade. He was a shareholder in the East India Company, which was also involved in the Indian Ocean slave trade.
His Legacy
Sir John Moore passed away on June 2, 1702, at the age of 81. He left his wealth, which was about £80,000 (worth over £6 million today), to his two nephews.
Moore gave a lot of money to help build schools at Christ's Hospital. He also started a free grammar school in Appleby Magna.
He was a member of the Tory political party. A statue of Moore, made by Grinling Gibbons, was first placed at Christ's Hospital in London. In 1902, it was moved to Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, Sussex.
