Sir John Lethieullier facts for kids

Sir John Lethieullier (born in London in 1633, died in Lewisham on January 4, 1719) was an important British merchant and businessman. His family, called Huguenots, came from a place known as the Spanish Netherlands. His father moved to England in 1605.

A Successful Businessman

Sir John Lethieullier started his life in England by settling first in Ilford and then in Lewisham. He was very good at business!

What He Traded

Sir John began his career by buying English fabrics, like wool and cloth, from different parts of England. He worked with his business partner, Charles Marescoe, who was married to Sir John's sister, Leonora. They made sure the fabrics were dyed and finished perfectly. After that, they would send these textiles to places like the Levant (which is the eastern Mediterranean region) and southern Europe.

But Sir John didn't stop there! He quickly expanded his business. By 1669, he was also sending things like tin and lead to cities like Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Venice in Italy. He also brought goods into England, such as sugar from Portugal and iron from the Netherlands.

Becoming Sheriff of London

Sir John Lethieullier became so well-known and respected that he was chosen to be the sheriff of London in 1675. A sheriff was a very important official who helped keep law and order in the city.

Aldersbrook Manor

In 1693, Sir John bought a large estate called Aldersbrook Manor. This manor was located in what is now the eastern part of London.

Family Life

Sir John Lethieullier married Anne Hooker on May 18, 1659. They were married at a church called St Clement's, Eastcheap. Their son, also named John, later became the father of a famous historian and collector named Smart Lethieullier.

Sir John Lethieullier was buried in the churchyard of St Alfege Church in Greenwich.