Richard Gresham facts for kids

Sir Richard Gresham (born around 1485, died 1549) was an important English businessman and politician. He was a mercer, meaning he traded fine cloths like silk and velvet. He was also a Merchant Adventurer, a group of merchants who explored new trade routes. Richard Gresham became the Lord Mayor of London and a Member of Parliament, helping to make laws for the country. He was also the father of the famous Sir Thomas Gresham, who founded the Royal Exchange in London.

Life and Work

The Gresham family crest

Richard Gresham was born in a village called Holt, Norfolk around 1485. His family had lived in Norfolk for a long time. His grandfather, James Gresham, built a manor house in Holt. Richard was one of four sons of John Gresham and Alice Blythe.

Becoming a Merchant

In 1507, Richard Gresham became a full member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. This was a powerful group of merchants in London. He worked with his brother, John Gresham, trading goods. They exported textiles, like cloth, and imported grain from other countries.

Richard Gresham became very wealthy through his trade. He supplied King Henry VIII with expensive fabrics like velvet and satin. Most of his business was with the Low Countries, which are now places like Belgium and the Netherlands. This area was very important for English trade back then.

Public Service

Richard Gresham took on important roles in London. In 1531, he became the Sheriff of London and Middlesex. This was a high-ranking position responsible for law and order. He was also made a knight that same year, so people called him "Sir Richard."

He was present at a very famous event in English history. On May 19, 1536, he was at the Tower of London when Queen Anne Boleyn was executed.

In 1537, he was elected as the Lord Mayor of London. This was the most important job in the city. He was known as a good friend of Cardinal Wolsey, a powerful church leader. When Wolsey was dying, he called Gresham his "fast-friend." Gresham even paid for the Cardinal's funeral.

Member of Parliament

Sir Richard Gresham was also elected as a Member of Parliament for the City of London. He served in Parliament in 1539 and again in 1545. As an MP, he helped make decisions for the country.

He helped Cardinal Wolsey decorate his new home, Hampton Court. In 1520, Gresham went to Flanders to buy expensive tapestries, which are large woven pictures, for the palace. He even asked Wolsey for permission to send a ship to Turkey for trade.

The Gresham family had a motto: Fiat voluntas tua. This means 'Thy will be done'.

Sir Richard Gresham passed away on February 21, 1549, in Bethnal Green.

Family Life

Richard Gresham was married three times. His first wife was Audrey Lynne. They had four children together:

• John Gresham (died 1560)
• Sir Thomas Gresham, who became very famous. He founded the Royal Exchange, which was a major trading center.
• Christian Gresham, who married Sir John Thynne.
• Elizabeth Gresham

After Audrey passed away, Richard married Thomasyn. His third wife was Isabel.

See also

• List of sheriffs of London
• List of lord mayors of London
• City of London (elections to the Parliament of England)