Thomas Exmewe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Thomas Exmewe
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Posthumous portrait of Sir Thomas Exmewe, attributed to John Bettes the Elder, c. 1550, Guildhall Art Gallery.
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| Lord Mayor of London | |
| In office 1517-1518 |
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| Preceded by | John Rest |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Mirfyn |
| Sheriff of London | |
| In office 1509-1510 |
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| Preceded by | William Butler |
| Succeeded by | George Monoux |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1450 Ruthin, Denbighshire, Wales, UK |
| Died | 1529 (aged 78–79) |
Sir Thomas Exmewe was an important person in London during the 1500s. He was born around 1454 in a place called Ruthin in Wales. Sir Thomas was a member of the Goldsmiths Company, which was a group for people who worked with gold and jewelry. He held two very important jobs in London: he was a Sheriff and later the Lord Mayor.
Contents
Sir Thomas Exmewe: A London Leader
Sir Thomas Exmewe played a big role in governing London. He started his public service as a Sheriff and then became the Lord Mayor. These jobs were like being a top leader for the city.
Becoming Sheriff of London
In 1508, Sir Thomas Exmewe was chosen to be a Sheriff of London. A Sheriff in those days was a powerful official. They helped keep law and order in the city. Sheriffs also managed elections and collected taxes. Sir Thomas served in this role for about a year.
Serving as Lord Mayor
Later, on December 5, 1517, Sir Thomas Exmewe was elected Lord Mayor of London. This was the highest position in the city government. The Lord Mayor was like the chief executive of London. They were in charge of many things, from trade to justice. Sir Thomas served as Lord Mayor for one year, until 1518.
The First Known Portrait
One very special thing about Sir Thomas Exmewe is that he was the first Lord Mayor of London whose portrait is known to have been painted. This painting was made around 1550, after he had passed away. It is now kept at the Guildhall Art Gallery in London. Experts believe the painting was done by an artist named John Bettes the Elder. This portrait helps us remember what a significant person he was.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Thomas Exmewe passed away in 1529. He was married to a woman named Elizabeth. His time as Sheriff and Lord Mayor helped shape London in the early 16th century. His portrait remains an important piece of history.
See also
- List of lord mayors of London
- List of sheriffs of London
