Stephen Browne facts for kids

Stephen Browne (1395–1462–4) was an important person in London a long time ago. He was a grocer, which meant he sold food and other goods. He also served as an alderman and was even the Mayor of London twice! He was also a Member of Parliament, helping to make laws for the city.

Armorial bearings of Stephen Browne Mayor of London 1438 & 1448

Stephen Browne's Career

Stephen Browne was a leader in the Grocers' company. This was a group for people who sold groceries. He was a warden of the company from 1425 to 1426. Later, he was chosen to be the master of the company five different times, starting in 1432.

Serving the City of London

Browne was an alderman in London for 31 years, from 1429 to 1460. An alderman was a senior member of the city council. He was also the sheriff of London from 1431 to 1432. The sheriff helped keep order in the city.

He became the Mayor of London twice. First, from 1438 to 1439, and then again ten years later, from 1448 to 1449. As mayor, he was in charge of the city. In these roles, Browne helped make important decisions for London. He also served on city committees from 1447 to 1452. He was chosen as an elector several times in 1449, 1450, and 1455.

Business and Parliament

Stephen Browne owned land and properties in London and other places. These properties earned him about £65 each year. Even King Henry V, who died in 1422, once owed Browne £400!

Browne was also a big seller of corn and was involved in the cloth trade. In 1439, he was allowed to buy wheat in Yorkshire to bring it to London. In 1448, some of his goods were lost at Letheringham, Suffolk. This happened when the Duke of Norfolk caused damage in the area. Browne also represented London in Parliament in 1449 and 1453.

Stephen Browne's Family

Stephen Browne, whose name was sometimes spelled Broun, came from Newcastle-on-Tyne. People say his father was named John Brown. He had a brother named Robert Browne. Robert's son was Sir Thomas Browne.

Stephen Browne had one son, named John Browne. He was married three times to women named Julia, Alice, and Rose. All of his wives passed away before him. Stephen Browne himself died between 1462 and 1464. His will, which is a legal document about his wishes, was written in 1462.

Browne kept his connections to Newcastle-on-Tyne. In his will, he left money to help maintain St. Nicholas church there. He also owned property in Lynn. In London, he had a house on Thames Street called Browne's Place. Next to it was a dock called Browne's Quay.