Robert Lee (Lord Mayor) facts for kids
Sir Robert Lee (around 1550 – December 22, 1606) was an important English merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1602, which was a very powerful position in the city.
Who Was Sir Robert Lee?
Sir Robert Lee was born around the year 1550. He lived during a time when England was growing and changing. He became a successful merchant in London. Merchants were people who bought and sold goods. They helped the city's economy grow.
Early Life and Career
Lee was a member of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. This was a special group, or 'guild', for tailors and merchants. These guilds were very important in London. They helped control trade and supported their members.
In 1593, Robert Lee was chosen as an alderman. An alderman was a senior official in the city government. They helped manage different areas, called 'wards', of London. He first served for the Dowgate ward.
From 1594 to 1595, he was the Sheriff of London. The Sheriff was a key officer. They helped keep law and order in the city. They also managed elections and collected taxes.
Lee continued to serve as an alderman for different wards. He was alderman for Cordwainer ward from 1599 to 1602. Then, he served for Langbourn ward from 1602 to 1605.
Becoming Lord Mayor
In 1602, Sir Robert Lee reached the highest position in London's city government. He was elected Lord Mayor of London. The Lord Mayor was like the chief leader of the city. They were responsible for many important decisions. This role was a great honor.
After becoming Lord Mayor, he was knighted on May 22, 1603. Being knighted meant he was given the title "Sir." This was a special award from the King or Queen. It showed he was highly respected.
Family Life
Sir Robert Lee married the daughter of another important city leader. Her father was Sir James Hawes. Sir James Hawes had also been an alderman and Lord Mayor of London in 1574.
Robert Lee had a son named Sir Henry Lee. His son also became an alderman in 1614. Robert Lee's daughter married a man named William Gore. After Sir Robert Lee passed away, his wife married Sir Thomas Gerard, 1st Baronet.
