John Pyel facts for kids

John Pyel (born around 1310 – died 1382) was an important merchant in London. He became the Mayor of London in 1372. This was a very powerful position in the city.

John Pyel: A London Leader

Early Life and Family

This church in Irthlingborough is where John Pyel wanted to build a college.

John Pyel was born around the year 1310. His hometown was Irthlingborough in Northamptonshire, England. He inherited land from his father there. Over his lifetime, he bought even more land in the area. In 1353, he bought the manor of Irthlingborough from Sir Simon de Drayton. A manor was a large estate with a village and land. John's brother, Henry, became an important church official called the Archdeacon of Northampton.

Becoming a Merchant and Politician

John Pyel became a successful merchant in London. Merchants were people who bought and sold goods, often trading over long distances. His success led him to take on important roles in the city's government.

In 1369, he became an Alderman for the Castle Baynard ward. An Alderman was a senior member of the city council. In the same year, he also served as a Sheriff of London. A Sheriff was a high-ranking officer who helped keep law and order.

In 1372, John Pyel was elected Mayor of London. This was the highest position in the city's government. It showed how much people trusted and respected him. He was also chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for the City of London in 1361 and 1376. As an MP, he represented the city in the English Parliament.

His Big Idea: A College for Irthlingborough

In 1375, John Pyel had a big plan for his hometown of Irthlingborough. He received special permission from the King to start a college there. This college, named St. Peter, was meant to be a place for six religious leaders (called canons) and four clerks. It would have been a special kind of religious school or institution.

Sadly, John Pyel died before he could finish building the college. However, his wife, Joan, helped make his dream come true. With the help of another church official, the Archdeacon of London, the college was finally established in 1388. It was built by developing the local parish church into a special college.

His Legacy

John Pyel passed away in 1382. He was married to Joan and they had two sons. Today, you can find a special memorial to him inside the St. Peter's Church in Irthlingborough. It is located in the John Pyel Chapel, on the south side of the main altar. This memorial helps us remember his important contributions to London and his vision for his hometown.

See also

• List of Sheriffs of the City of London
• List of Lord Mayors of London
• City of London (elections to the Parliament of England)