Richard Chiverton facts for kids

Sir Richard Chiverton (died 1679) was an important person in London during the 1600s. He was a member of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, which was a powerful trade group. In 1658, he became the Lord Mayor of London, a very important leadership role for the city.

Life and Times of Richard Chiverton

Richard Chiverton was born in Cornwall, a county in England. His father was also named Richard Chiverton. Young Richard grew up to become a successful member of the Worshipful Company of Skinners. This was a guild, or a group of people who worked in the same trade, in this case, dealing with animal skins.

Becoming Lord Mayor and a Knight

In 1658, Richard Chiverton was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of London. This was a big job, like being the main leader of the city. While he was mayor, he was honored by Oliver Cromwell, who was the Lord Protector of England at the time. Cromwell was the leader of England after the King was removed. On March 22, 1658, Cromwell made Chiverton a knight at a place called Whitehall. This meant he was now called "Sir Richard Chiverton."

Proclaiming a New Leader

Later in 1658, Sir Richard had another important duty. He had to announce that Richard Cromwell, Oliver Cromwell's son, was the new Lord Protector. A newspaper called Mercurius Politicus reported that people cheered loudly in London. They shouted, "God Save the Lord Protector!"

However, not everyone was happy. When the same announcement was made in Oxford a few days later, some people showed their disapproval. Young students and others threw carrots and turnip-tops at the officials! This shows that not everyone supported the new leader.

Life After Cromwell

Sir Richard Chiverton was special because he was the first Lord Mayor of London who came from Cornwall. Even when England changed its government back to having a King (this was called the Restoration), Sir Richard stayed in good standing. He was even considered for a special group called the Knights of the Royal Oak.

On October 12, 1663, King Charles II also made him a knight. This meant he was knighted twice by two different leaders of England!

Family Life

Sir Richard Chiverton was married and had a daughter. Her name was Elizabeth. She later married a man named Sir John Coryton, who was also a very important person.