Nicholas Rainton facts for kids

Sir Nicholas Rainton was an important English merchant who lived a long time ago, from 1569 to 1646. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1632, which was a very important job!

Sir Nicholas Rainton's Early Life and Career

This monument in St Andrew's Church, Enfield, remembers Sir Nicholas Rainton and his wife.

Nicholas Rainton was born in 1569 in a place called Heighington in Lincolnshire, England. He was the third son in his family. Later, in 1602, he married Rebecca Moulson in London.

Nicholas Rainton became a successful merchant in the City of London. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods. He was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. This was a special group, or 'guild', for people who sold small items like needles, thread, and ribbons.

Important Jobs in London

Nicholas Rainton held many important positions in London:

• In 1621, he was chosen as an Alderman for the City of London. An Alderman was a senior member of the city's government.
• From 1621 to 1622, he served as a Sheriff of London. The Sheriffs helped to manage the city and enforce laws.
• He was also the leader, or 'Master', of the Haberdashers Company twice, from 1622 to 1623 and again from 1632 to 1633.
• In 1632, he reached a very high position: he was elected Lord Mayor of London. This was the most important job in the city!
• In 1633, he was given the special title of 'Sir' and became a knight.
• From 1634 until he died, he was the president of St Bartholomew's Hospital, a famous hospital in London.

Forty Hall: Sir Nicholas's Home

In 1616, Nicholas Rainton bought a large piece of land in Enfield, Middlesex. In 1629, he started building a grand house on this land called Forty Hall. This house is still standing today and is now a museum that people can visit!

A Challenge with the King

In 1640, Sir Nicholas Rainton faced a difficult situation. He was put in the Tower of London along with three other Aldermen. This happened because they refused to make a list of people in their areas who could lend money to King Charles. They believed it was not their job to do this.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Nicholas Rainton passed away at Forty Hall in 1646. He was buried at St Andrew's Church in Enfield Town, where you can see a beautiful monument dedicated to him and his wife, Rebecca. He left his property to his great-nephew, who was also named Nicholas.

There are two paintings of Sir Nicholas Rainton that still exist today. One is at Forty Hall, and the other is at St Bartholomew's Hospital.