Nicholas Wotton (mayor) facts for kids

Nicholas Wotton (who died in 1448) was an important English merchant and official. He was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of London two times, first in 1415 and again in 1430.

Who Was Nicholas Wotton?

Nicholas Wotton was the son of William Wotton, a rich wool merchant who passed away in 1391. His mother was Margaret, who died in 1404. Nicholas married Joane Corbie, who was the only daughter of Robert Corbie. Through this marriage, Nicholas gained the large estate of Boughton Malherbe. This property stayed with the Wotton family for many years. After Joane died in 1413, Nicholas married another woman named Margaret.

A Busy Career

Nicholas Wotton was a member of the Drapers' Company, which was a group for cloth merchants. Like his father, he invested a lot of money in wool. He even had special permission from the king to send large amounts of wool to Calais, a port in France.

Because he was so wealthy, Nicholas could lend a lot of money to the kings of England, King Henry IV and King Henry V. In return for these loans, he didn't have to pay taxes on his goods until the money was paid back.

Working for the City

Besides being a merchant, Nicholas Wotton held many important jobs in the government. He worked as a tax collector and was also a leader in the "Staple of Westminster." The Staple was a special market where certain goods, like wool, were sold.

He was an alderman for Broad Street Ward from 1404 to 1406, and then for Dowgate Ward from 1406 until 1446. An alderman was a senior member of the city council. He was also one of the Sheriffs of the City of London in 1406-1407. As mentioned, he became the Mayor of London in 1415 and 1430. Nicholas also served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for London in several years: 1406, 1414, 1419, 1421, 1425, and 1429.

A Special Right

While living in Kent, Nicholas was asked to be a juror in a court case. He refused, saying that former mayors and aldermen of London had a special right. This right meant they didn't have to serve the king in other parts of the country unless they agreed to it. Even though his refusal was seen as disrespectful, King Henry VI later gave him a royal pardon.

His Lasting Impact

Nicholas Wotton passed away in 1448. He left behind his wife Margaret and his two sons, Nicholas and Richard. He was buried in the church at Boughton Malherbe. His younger son, Richard, was a clergyman, so his inheritance eventually went back to his brother's family.

Many famous people were descendants of Nicholas Wotton. These include the diplomat Nicholas Wotton, the royal advisor Edward Wotton, the MP Henry Wotton, Margaret Wotton, Marchioness of Dorset, and the Barons Wotton.