Sir Thomas Vyner, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Thomas Vyner, 1st Baronet (born December 15, 1588 – died May 11, 1665) was an important English businessman and politician. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1653. Vyner was known for supplying gold to two English kings and to the government of Oliver Cromwell.
Thomas Vyner was born in North Cerney, Gloucestershire. His parents were Thomas and Anne Vyner. After his father passed away in 1600, young Thomas moved to London. He lived with his sister and her husband, Samuel Moore.
A Career in Gold
Samuel Moore helped Thomas Vyner learn about goldsmithing. This was the trade of working with gold. Vyner quickly became a member of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. This was a powerful group for gold workers. He later became its main leader.
In 1622, Vyner bought a large house in Hackney. This was a village close to London at the time. In 1624, King James I gave Vyner an important job. He became the comptroller of the Royal Mint. This meant he helped manage the place where coins were made.
During the time of Oliver Cromwell, Vyner continued his work. He provided a lot of gold bullion (raw gold) to the English government. He also helped make coins for them. He even made coins for the East India Company. This was a big trading company. In 1656, he and a business partner bought a large amount of Spanish gold. They turned this gold into new coins.
Stepping into Politics
As Thomas Vyner's business grew, he also became involved in politics. In 1646, he was chosen as an alderman for the Billingsgate area of London. An alderman was a local government official. He held this job until 1651.
In 1648, he was elected as a sheriff. A sheriff was a high-ranking officer in a county. In 1651, Vyner ran for alderman again. This time he ran in the Langbourn area. In 1653, he reached a very high position. He became the Lord Mayor of London. This was a very important leadership role for the city.
That same year, Oliver Cromwell made Vyner a knight. This was a special honor. In 1660, Vyner seemed to stop his public work. He lost his job as alderman. However, in 1661, King Charles II gave him another honor. He made Vyner a baronet. This was a special title that could be passed down.
Family and Legacy
Sir Thomas Vyner passed away in Hackney on May 11, 1665. He was buried in St Mary Woolnoth church in London. Later, his great-nephew, Robert Vyner, moved his monument. It was moved to Gautby.
Sir Thomas Vyner had three wives during his life. He had four daughters and two sons. His son, George, took over his baronet title. George continued to live in Hackney. He passed away in 1673. George's son, also named Thomas, was born in 1664.
