Robert Ducie facts for kids

Sir Robert Ducie, 1st Baronet (born 1575 – died June 1634) was an important English merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1631. He was also a banker for King Charles I.

Robert Ducie was the oldest son of Henry Ducie, who was also a merchant in London. Robert followed in his father's footsteps. He became a member of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, a group for merchants in London.

Robert Ducie's Career in London

Robert Ducie was very active in the City of London. On December 4, 1620, he was chosen as an Alderman for the Farringdon Without area. An Alderman is a senior member of a city's government.

Sheriff of London

From 1620 to 1621, Robert Ducie served as a Sheriff of London. A Sheriff was a very important official who helped keep law and order in the city.

Working with the East India Company

He was also part of the committee for the East India Company from 1621 to 1630. This company was a powerful trading group that brought goods from faraway lands like India. He joined the committee again from 1631 to 1633.

Becoming Lord Mayor

In 1625, he became an Alderman for Billingsgate, and in 1627, for Bassishaw. He was chosen as the president of St Bartholomew's Hospital in 1628. This hospital cared for sick people in London. On November 28, 1629, he was given the special title of Baronet. This is a title of honor given by the King. In 1631, he reached a very high position: he was elected Lord Mayor of London. This was the most important job in the city government.

Robert Ducie's Wealth

Sir Robert Ducie became incredibly rich as a merchant. Even though he lost a lot of money (about £80,000) when the King had to leave London during the Civil War, he was still worth more than £400,000 when he died. This was a huge amount of money back then!

Family Life

Around 1608, Robert Ducie married Elizabeth Pyott. She was the daughter of Richard Pyott, who was also an Alderman in London. Robert and Elizabeth had four sons:

• Sir Richard Ducie, who became the 2nd Baronet after his father. He passed away in 1656.
• Sir William Ducie, who became the 3rd Baronet.
• Henry Ducie Esq.
• Robert Ducie Esq.