Robert Geffrye facts for kids
Sir Robert Geffrye (1613–1703) was an important English merchant. He also served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1685. He is remembered for his generous gifts, which helped build homes for the elderly and support schools.
Contents
Sir Robert Geffrye's Life
Robert Geffrye was born in 1613 in a small village called Landrake in Cornwall. His parents were not wealthy. He later moved to London and became a very successful merchant. He traded goods from the East India region. His home was on Lime Street.
His Career and Public Service
Geffrye became the Master of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. This was an important group for iron traders. In 1673, he was made a knight, so he was called "Sir Robert." A year later, in 1674, he became a Sheriff of London. This role involved helping to keep law and order. In 1685, he was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of London. This was a very high position in the city.
In 1692, he became the president of Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospitals. He was also a big trader in tobacco. Sir Robert Geffrye invested in the Atlantic slave trade. He even owned part of a ship called the China Merchant, which was used in this trade.
He married a woman named Priscilla Cropley. She was the daughter of another London merchant. However, they did not have any children.
Sir Robert Geffrye's Legacy
When Sir Robert Geffrye passed away in 1703, he left a lot of money. He gave about £10,000 to friends, family, hospitals, and widows of church leaders. He also set up special trusts. These trusts were managed by the Company of Ironmongers.
Homes for Those in Need
Part of his money was used to build 14 almshouses. These were special homes for people who needed help, especially widows of ironmongers. These first homes were built in 1715 in Shoreditch, London.
In 1910, these original buildings were sold. They now house the Museum of the Home. This museum, once called the Geffrye Museum, shows how people lived in their homes from 1600 to today.
New almshouses were built in Mottingham, Kent. These were also sold in 1972. Today, Sir Robert Geffrye's Trust still helps people. They have two almshouses in Hampshire. One is in Hook, built in 1976 and made bigger in 1987. The other is in Basingstoke, opened in 1984. These homes provide sheltered housing for 125 retired people who have limited money.
Supporting Education
Sir Robert Geffrye also wanted to help his hometown. He made sure a school was kept open in Landrake. He also arranged for the poor people of St. Erney and Landrake to receive help. There is still a school named Sir Robert Geffery's School in Landrake today.
