John Parsons (died 1717) facts for kids
Sir John Parsons (born 1639, died 1717) was an important English businessman and politician. He owned a brewery and supplied the Royal Navy with food and drink. He was a Member of Parliament for many years and even became the Lord Mayor of London in 1703.
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Early Life and Family
John Parsons was born in London in 1639. His father, also named John Parsons, was a brewer. John Parsons first married Elizabeth Beane. After she passed away, he married Jane Milward.
Business Success
John Parsons took over the Red Lion Brewery in London from his father. This brewery was famous for its strong beer, sometimes called "Parson's Black Champagne." The brewery sold beer locally and also sent a lot of it to France.
Parsons also worked with the government. From 1671 to 1674, he helped collect taxes on goods in several northern English counties. In 1677, he started supplying the Royal Navy with food and drinks. By 1683, he became a main Commissioner for victualling the Navy, a job he held until 1689.
In 1695, Sir John Parsons was involved in a plan to start "Royal Academies" using lotteries. He was a trustee, meaning he helped manage the project. However, this project was not successfully launched.
His Home at Reigate Priory
In 1681, Parsons bought a large estate called The Priory in Reigate, Surrey. This was a home for his big family. He added a beautiful staircase to the house.
In 1700, a special gallery was built in St Mary's church in Reigate. This gallery was just for Sir John Parsons and his family. It was used by the owners of The Priory for about 150 years.
Political Career
Sir John Parsons was a Tory politician. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Reigate in 1685. He also served as an Alderman in London, which is like a city council member.
King James II made him a knight in 1687. This meant he was then called "Sir John Parsons." He also served as Sheriff of London from 1687 to 1688.
Parsons was a member of the Worshipful Company of Brewers, a group for brewers. He was even the Master of this company in 1689. He was elected as an MP for Reigate many times, including in 1690, 1695, and 1701.
In 1703, he became a member of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. In the same year, he was chosen as the Lord Mayor of London. He was known for giving up his official fees to help pay off the city's debts.
He continued to be elected as an MP for Reigate in 1705, 1708, 1710, 1713, and 1715. He was a very active politician for many years.
Later Life and Family Legacy
Sir John Parsons passed away on January 25, 1717. He was buried in Aldgate, London.
His sons also became important figures. His son, Humphrey Parsons, inherited Reigate Priory and later became an MP. Another son, Henry, also served as an MP. His daughter Anne married a judge named John Wainwright.
