Stephen Slaney facts for kids

Sir Stephen Slaney (1524 - 1608) was an important English merchant. He was a leader in London during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He served four times as the head of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, a powerful trade group. He also held major roles in the city government, including Alderman, Sheriff, and Lord Mayor of London. People called him "one of the most interesting of the Elizabethan Merchant Adventurers."

Stephen Slaney's Early Life and Work

Stephen Slaney was born in 1524. His father was John Slaney from Mitton in Staffordshire. Stephen married Margaret Pheasant in 1560. Her family had connections with important people in London. Stephen became a member and officer of the Worshipful Company of Skinners. This was a guild for people who worked with animal skins.

In 1566, Stephen Slaney helped with land deals for important people like Sir Thomas Wentworth. He also became a key member of the Company of Merchant Adventurers of London. This group helped English merchants trade goods overseas. In 1572, Queen Elizabeth I asked him to help sell ships and goods. These belonged to subjects of the Catholic King who had been arrested.

Stephen Slaney traded with countries in the Mediterranean Sea. He was known as a "Turkey merchant." Once, he was captured by the Turks. He had to give up his money to be set free. He served as an Auditor for the City of London from 1576 to 1578 and again from 1581 to 1583.

Becoming a City Leader

Stephen Slaney became the head of the Skinners Company for the first time in 1585. He was also chosen as an Alderman for the Portsoken area of London. In 1584, he became Sheriff of the City of London. The Sheriff helped keep law and order.

In 1585, the Merchant Adventurers asked Slaney to join a committee. They were planning a trip to the "uttermost parts of America." He then moved to represent the Coleman Street Ward in 1586. He was chosen as head of his company again in 1587. After being elected head a third time in 1591, he became the Lord Mayor of London for 1595-1596.

Sir Stephen Slaney's Time as Lord Mayor

When Stephen Slaney became Lord Mayor, there was a big plan to improve England's defenses. The Queen's advisors worked with the Mayor to organize London's forces. They wanted to make sure the city was ready to defend itself. Three thousand men from London were chosen to protect the counties of Kent and Sussex. A fleet of boats was also kept ready to move them.

In 1595, Mayor Slaney wrote about the playhouses in London. In December 1595, a survey was done to find out how many poor families needed help in London. The report showed that 4,132 families needed support. Mayor Slaney gave this report to Queen Elizabeth.

In 1596, a printed song was brought to him. It complained about food shortages. Slaney thought the song was disrespectful to the Queen. He said it could cause trouble among poor people. He tried to find the printer and the writer, Thomas Deloney. Deloney was a "lazy fellow" who also wrote other upsetting pamphlets. Slaney sent these to the Lord Treasurer. The city leaders at that time did not allow rude speeches against the Queen.

Slaney moved his alderman role again, this time to the Broad Street Ward. He stayed there until his death in 1608. He was head of his company for the fourth time in 1598. Sir Stephen Slaney, his son Jasper, and his relative John Slaney worked together as partners. They shipped corn and rye from Zeeland.

Sir Stephen Slaney also served as President of the Bethlem and Bridewell hospitals from 1599 to 1600. He was President of Christ's Hospital from 1602 to 1608. He also oversaw all hospitals from 1604 to 1608.

Death and What He Left Behind

Stephen Slaney passed away on December 27, 1608, at 84 years old. He was buried in a church called St Swithin, London Stone. His will, written in 1598, left money for many good causes.

He gave £100 to the poor children of Christ's Hospital. He also gave money to help prisoners get out of jail. He donated to hospitals like St Thomas', St Bartholomew's, and Bridewell. He gave money to the poor in different parts of London, including Coleman Street and Portsoken Ward. The Skinners Company received money for his funeral dinner and cloaks for poor men.

His will also mentioned towns in Staffordshire, like Chebsey, Stone, Penkridge, Stafford, and Lichfield. He left money for the poor in these areas. He also left gifts to his daughters and sons-in-law. His wife, Dame Margaret, was in charge of his will. His nephew, John Slaney, became his main male heir.

Dame Margaret Slaney's Charities

Stephen's wife, Dame Margaret, died in 1619. She also left a will with many generous gifts. She gave £40 to the Worshipful Company of Grocers. This money was to pay £3 a year to the poor of West Wickham in Kent. This was to help their children learn useful trades.

She also gave a large gift of £2000 to the Grocers Company. This money was to help churches buy back land that had been taken from them. This led to a special law being passed in 1869. She was buried in the same church as her husband. She left money for her funeral, making sure no "offensive or superstitious ceremonies" were used.

Family Life

Sir Stephen Slaney and Dame Margaret had five sons and six daughters. Their names were recorded on his memorial.

• Stephen Slaney: He was the oldest son. He married Catherine Aston and died before his father. He had one daughter, Anna.
• Jasper Slaney: He went to Christ's College, Cambridge. He died unmarried around 1598.
• Thomas Slaney: He died unmarried.
• Richard Slaney: He died at age 2.
• Timothy Slaney: He died at 2 months old.
• Maria Slaney: She was the firstborn daughter. She married Richard Bradgate and later Sir Humphrey Weld, who also became Lord Mayor of London.
• Alicia Slaney (I): She died.
• Elizabeth Slaney: She married Samuel Lennard.
• Alicia Slaney (II): She died.
• Anna Slaney: She married Thomas Colepeper. She had three children, including John Colepeper, 1st Baron Colepeper.
• Martha Slaney: She died unmarried.

John and Humphrey Slany

John and Humphrey Slany were relatives mentioned in the wills of Dame Margaret Slaney and her daughter Dame Mary Weld. They were brothers who lived in London. John Slany was born in Barrow, Shropshire. It is believed that John and Humphrey were sons of one of Sir Stephen Slaney's brothers.

John and Humphrey Slany were important figures in the Newfoundland Company. This company helped set up colonies and trade in Newfoundland.

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