John Watts (merchant) facts for kids

John Watts (born around 1554 – died 1616) was an important English merchant and shipowner. He was also an Alderman of London and later became the Lord Mayor of London in 1606. He played a big part in the early days of the East India Company and the Virginia Company.

Early Life and Sea Adventures

John Watts was the son of Thomas Watts from Buntingford, Hertfordshire. He owned a ship called the Margaret and John. In 1588, this ship was one of many paid by the city of London to sail against the powerful Spanish Armada. Watts himself volunteered on his ship and took part in the fighting.

A few years later, in 1590, the Margaret and John was part of a group of merchant ships sailing home from the Mediterranean Sea. They successfully fought off and defeated Spanish warships near Cadiz. Even though Watts was not on board that time, he often helped fund and equip privateer ships throughout the war.

Privateering and Success

Privateers were like private ships hired by the government during wartime. They were allowed to attack and capture enemy ships and their goods. Watts supported famous privateers like Michael Geare and Christopher Newport.

Some of his successful ventures included an expedition to the Spanish Main in 1590. He also helped fund an expedition to Cuba the next year. In 1595, he supported James Lancaster's trip to Recife, which was very successful. Watts earned a lot of money from these expeditions by sharing in the captured goods, known as "prize money." For example, in 1601, one of his ships brought back valuable silks and satins from the Indies to Plymouth.

Public Service and Later Years

Watts became an Alderman of London, representing the Tower ward. He was also chosen as a Sheriff of the City of London in 1597.

He was one of the people who helped start the East India Company. This company was very important for trade with countries in Asia. In 1601, he was even elected as its governor for a time.

When James I became king, John Watts was knighted on July 26, 1603, becoming Sir John Watts. In 1606, he achieved a very high position, becoming the Lord Mayor of London. After his time as Lord Mayor, he remained an active member of the Virginia Company. This company was involved in setting up the first English colonies in North America. Watts was also a member of the Clothworkers' Company, a powerful guild in London.

Sir John Watts passed away in September 1616 at his home in Hertfordshire. He was buried on September 7 in Ware.

Family Life

Sir John Watts was married to Margaret, who was the daughter of Sir James Hawes, another former Lord Mayor. They had four sons and four daughters.

Their oldest son, also named John, served in the military and was knighted in 1625 for his good service. He continued to serve in various military campaigns. This Sir John Watts married Mary Bayning and had many children.

His eldest son (Sir John Watts's grandson), who also became Sir John Watts, followed in his father's footsteps in the military. He was knighted in 1642. After some difficult times during the English Civil War, he eventually sold some of his land. After the king returned to power in 1660, he worked as a receiver for Essex and Hertfordshire. He died around 1680.

Sir John Watts's family line continues to this day, with descendants still living in England and Wales.