Thomas Johnson (Liverpool merchant) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Johnson (born October 27, 1664 – died December 28, 1728) was an important English businessman and politician. He served in the English and British Parliament from 1701 to 1723. He played a big role in the growth of Liverpool, especially in its trade and the building of its first commercial dock.

Who Was Sir Thomas Johnson?

Sir Thomas Johnson was born in Liverpool in 1664. When his father passed away, he inherited a lot of money. He used this money to become a merchant, trading goods with the British colonies in North America. He was involved in the trade of tobacco and sugar. Sadly, he was also one of the first known slave traders in Liverpool, involved in the trade of enslaved people. In 1715, he transported 130 Jacobite prisoners to plantations in the Americas. These prisoners were people who had rebelled against the king or queen. Johnson also helped start the rock salt industry in Cheshire.

Early Life and Business

Sir Thomas Johnson took over from his father as a bailiff of Liverpool in 1689. A bailiff was a local official. In 1695, he became the mayor of the city. He helped Liverpool become a separate area from the parish of Walton-on-the-Hill in 1699. He also got permission from Queen Anne to use the land where the old castle used to be. He planned to build the town market there.

Helping Liverpool Grow

Johnson was the main person behind building the world's first commercial wet dock, called the Old Dock, in 1708. A wet dock keeps ships afloat at all times, even when the tide is out. He worked hard to get a law passed in Parliament to allow this important project. He also played a big part in building St Peter's and St George's churches in the city. Both of these churches are now gone.

From 1701 to 1723, he was a Member of Parliament for Liverpool. He was a member of the Whig political party. In 1708, Queen Anne made him a knight, giving him the title "Sir."

Later Years and Legacy

In 1723, Sir Thomas Johnson lost the money he had inherited from his father. He had lost it in risky business deals. Because of this, he left Parliament. He was then given a job as a collector of customs on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. A collector of customs gathers taxes on goods that come into a country.

Some historical records suggest he went to Virginia himself and died in Jamaica in 1729. However, more recent research from the History of Parliament series says something different. This research suggests he might not have taken the job himself, or he had someone else do it for him. It states that he died in his rented rooms in Charing Cross on December 28, 1728.

Today, a street in Liverpool is named Sir Thomas Street after him.