Sir John Cutler, 1st Baronet facts for kids
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Sir John Cutler, 1st Baronet (1603–1693) was an important English businessman and politician. He started out as a grocer and became very wealthy through his business dealings and investments. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for England.
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Sir John's Early Life and Rise to Success
John Cutler was born in 1603. His father was Edward Cutler, a salter (someone who dealt with salt and salted goods) in London. John became a very successful grocer, which in those days meant he traded in a wide range of goods, not just food.
He was also smart with money and invested in land. In 1656, he bought large estates in Yorkshire, including Gawthorpe and Harewood Castle. This made him even richer and more influential.
Becoming a Baronet and City Leader
Because of his success and contributions, John Cutler was knighted in 1660. This meant he was given the title "Sir." Later that same year, he was made a baronet. A baronet is a special title that can be passed down through a family, similar to a knight but a bit higher in rank.
Sir John was very involved in the Worshipful Company of Grocers, which was a powerful trade group in London. He was chosen to be their Master four times! He also became a councilman and an alderman in the City of London, which are important roles in local government.
Helping Rebuild London
After the terrible Great Fire of London in 1666, much of the city was destroyed, including the Grocers' Hall. Sir John Cutler paid a lot of money to help rebuild it. This showed how dedicated he was to his city and his company.
A Man of Science and Politics
Sir John Cutler was not just a businessman; he was also interested in science. In 1664, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists. Being a Fellow meant he was recognized for his interest in and support of scientific progress.
Serving in Parliament
Sir John also had a career in politics. He served as the High Sheriff of Kent in 1676. A High Sheriff was a very important official responsible for law and order in a county.
He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for two different areas:
- For Taunton from 1679 to 1680.
- For Bodmin from 1689 to 1693.
As an MP, he represented the people of these towns in the English Parliament.
Supporting St Paul's Cathedral
Sir John Cutler also played a part in building one of London's most famous landmarks, St Paul's Cathedral. He was the Treasurer for the building project, which meant he managed the money for its construction.
Later Life and Legacy
Late in his life, Sir John Cutler bought Wimpole Hall, a large and beautiful estate in Cambridgeshire.
He passed away in 1693 and was buried at St Margaret's, Westminster. He had been married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Foote, and his second was Elicia Tipping.
When Sir John died, his baronetcy (the special title) ended because he didn't have any sons to pass it on to. His only surviving daughter, Elizabeth, inherited his estate. She married Charles Robartes, who was the 2nd Earl of Radnor. When Elizabeth died without children, the estate eventually went to her cousins, the Boulter family.
