Sir Richard Gurney, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Richard Gurney (who died on October 6, 1647) was an important English merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London. Sir Richard was a strong supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War. He was part of the group called the Royalists.

Sir Richard Gurney's Early Career

Richard Gurney was born around 1577 or 1578. He became a successful merchant in London. He was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers. This was a powerful group for people who worked with cloth. In 1633, he became the Master of the Clothworkers Company.

From 1633 to 1634, he served as a Sheriff of London. Sheriffs were important officials who helped keep order. In 1634, he was chosen as an alderman for Bishopsgate ward. Aldermen were like city council members. Later, in 1637, he became an alderman for Dowgate ward instead.

Becoming Lord Mayor of London

In 1641, Richard Gurney was elected Lord Mayor of London. This was a very important job. It meant he was the leader of the city. On November 25, 1641, he was made a knight. This gave him the title "Sir." Soon after, on December 14, 1641, he was made a baronet. This was another special title given by the King. From 1641 to 1643, he was also the president of Christ's Hospital. This was a famous school and charity.

Supporting the King in the English Civil War

Sir Richard Gurney was very loyal to King Charles I. He openly supported the King during the English Civil War. He even published the King's "commission of array." This was a special order from the King. It asked people to join his army.

Because he supported the King so strongly, the Parliament was unhappy. Parliament was fighting against the King. They removed Sir Richard from his job as Lord Mayor. They also started a process called impeachment against him. This meant they were accusing him of serious wrongdoing. Sir Richard showed his loyalty by refusing to give the City's sword to anyone but the King himself.

Sir Richard Gurney's Family

Sir Richard Gurney had two daughters. His daughter Anne married a man named Thomas Richardson, 2nd Lord Cramond. His other daughter, Elizabeth, married John Pettus.

Coat of Arms

Sir Richard Gurney had his own special design called a coat of arms. This was like a family symbol. His coat of arms had six vertical stripes of gold and blue. It also had a lion's head as a crest. The crest was a design placed above the shield. This design showed his family's history.