Paul Le Mesurier facts for kids

Paul Le Mesurier was an important person from Guernsey, an island near France. He was born in 1755 and passed away in 1805. He was a very successful businessman, owning ships and trading goods. He also held many important jobs in London, like being a director for a big trading company, a member of the British Parliament, and even the Lord Mayor of London.

Paul Le Mesurier's Life and Work

Early Life and Business

Paul Le Mesurier was born in 1755. His father, John Le Mesurier, was the Governor of Alderney, another island close to Guernsey.

In 1776, Paul started a business with his wife's uncle, Noah Le Cras. They were merchants in London, which means they bought and sold goods. During the American War of Independence, their company made a lot of money. They worked as "prize agents," helping to sell goods captured from enemy ships.

A Leader in London

Paul Le Mesurier became a very respected person in London. In 1784, he was made an Alderman of the city. An Alderman is a senior member of a city's government. He also served as the Sheriff of London in 1786. The Sheriff was an important official who helped keep law and order.

Paul also worked as an insurance broker and underwriter at Lloyd's of London. This meant he helped people get insurance for their ships and goods. He also owned ships himself, and at least one of his ships was involved in hunting whales in the South Seas.

Working with the East India Company

In 1784, Paul Le Mesurier was first chosen to be a director of the East India Company. This was a very powerful British company that traded with countries like India and China. He was re-elected as a director several times: in 1789, 1794, 1799, and 1804. Each time, he served for three years, which was the usual term. His last term ended when he passed away.

Serving in Parliament

Besides his business and city roles, Paul Le Mesurier also became a politician. In 1784, he was elected to represent Southwark, an area in London, in the British Parliament. He kept this important job until 1796.

In 1793, he was chosen for a very high position: the Lord Mayor of London. He served as Lord Mayor for the year that followed. This role made him the leader of the City of London's government.

His Later Years

From 1795 until his death, Paul Le Mesurier was a Colonel in the Honourable Artillery Company. This was a volunteer military group in London.

Paul Le Mesurier passed away in 1805 at his home in Upper Homerton, Middlesex. He was married to Margaret, and they had one son and three daughters.

See also

• List of East India Company directors