Sir Thomas Gabriel, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Thomas Gabriel (born November 5, 1811 – died February 23, 1891) was a British businessman who worked with timber. He was also a very important person in the city of London.

Sir Thomas Gabriel's grave at West Norwood Cemetery, London

Gabriel came from a family of skilled workers. His grandfather, Christopher Gabriel, was famous for making special tools called planes, used for shaping wood.

Early Life and Business

Thomas Gabriel became a partner in a big company called Thomas Gabriel and Sons and Burtons. This company was known for importing and selling timber, which is wood used for building and other projects. Their main office was at a place called Gabriels Wharf.

Public Service in London

Sir Thomas Gabriel was involved in the government of London. He held two very important jobs:

Sheriff of London

From 1859 to 1860, he served as the Sheriff of London and Middlesex. A sheriff in this role was a high-ranking official who helped manage the city's legal and administrative duties.

Lord Mayor of London

Later, from 1866 to 1867, he became the Lord Mayor of London. This is a very old and respected position. The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London Corporation, which governs the historic "Square Mile" of London. It's a bit like being the mayor of a very special part of the city.

An admission ticket to a special event hosted by Lord Mayor Thomas Gabriel for Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz Khan in 1867.

Becoming a Baronet

After his time as Lord Mayor, Sir Thomas Gabriel received a special honor. He was made a "baronet." This is a title given by the King or Queen, and it means he became "Sir Thomas Gabriel, 1st Baronet." This was a common way to honor people who had served as Lord Mayor. His baronet title was linked to a place called Edgecombe Hall in Surrey.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Thomas Gabriel passed away in February 1891 when he was 79 years old. He was buried at West Norwood Cemetery. The baronet title he received ended with him, as he did not have a son to pass it on to.

Interestingly, Sir Thomas Gabriel is related to a famous modern musician. He is the great-great-great-uncle of the singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel. Sir Thomas Gabriel's brother, Christopher Trowell Gabriel, was Peter Gabriel's great-great-grandfather.

Arms of Sir Thomas Gabriel, 1st Baronet

Crest On a mount Vert a boar's head erased Sable billety Or. Escutcheon Sable on a pile Or ten billets four three two and one of the field. Motto In Prosperis Time In Adversis Spera (Fear In Prosperity, Hope In Adversity)