Thomas Leigh (Lord Mayor) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Thomas Leigh


Lord Mayor of London
In office 1558–1559
Preceded by	Sir Thomas Curtis
Succeeded by	Sir William Hewett

Personal details
Born	c. 1504 Wellington, Shropshire, England
Died	15 November 1571 Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, England
Resting place	Mercers' Chapel, London
Spouse	Alice née Barker
Children	Rowland Leigh, of Adlestrop; Sir Thomas Leigh, Bt; Sir William Leigh; 4 daus including Winifred and Katherine
Residence	Stoneleigh Abbey
Occupation	Merchant

Sir Thomas Leigh (born around 1504, died 1571) was an important English merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London from 1558 to 1559. He also served as an Alderman for the City of London for many years, from 1552 until his death in 1571.

Sir Thomas Leigh's Early Life
Sir Thomas's Home: Stoneleigh Abbey
Sir Thomas Leigh's Family and Descendants
See also

Sir Thomas Leigh's Early Life

Sir Thomas Leigh was born in Wellington, Shropshire, England, around the year 1504. His parents were Roger Leigh and Anne Trafford.

He was the great-great-grandson of Sir Piers Leigh. Sir Piers was a brave knight who was hurt during the famous Battle of Agincourt in 1415. His family was a branch of the old Leigh family from West Hall, High Legh, Cheshire.

How Sir Thomas Started His Career

Leigh was cared for by Sir Rowland Hill and later married his niece.

Sir Thomas Leigh was raised by Sir Rowland Hill. Sir Rowland was a successful merchant in London who dealt with wool and other goods. Thomas later joined Sir Rowland's business.

Around 1535, Thomas married Alice Barker. She was Sir Rowland's niece and would inherit his wealth. Alice's parents were John Barker and Elizabeth Hill.

The year after his marriage, Sir Thomas was given an important job. He became a Justice of the Peace for Shropshire. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.

Sir Thomas's Important Roles in London

Sir Thomas Leigh was a very active member of the Mercers' Company. This was a powerful group of merchants in London. He was chosen to be the Master of the Mercers' Company three times.

He also served as a Sheriff of London from 1555 to 1556. Sheriffs were important officials who helped the Lord Mayor. In 1558, he reached the highest position in the City of London: Lord Mayor of London.

Besides these roles, Sir Thomas was also a merchant of the Staple. This meant he was allowed to trade in certain goods like wool. He was also part of the Merchant Adventurers' Company, which helped English merchants trade overseas.

Sir Thomas and Queen Elizabeth I

Leigh led the coronation procession of Queen Elizabeth I.

In 1558, a big change happened in England. Queen Mary I of England passed away. Her half-sister, Elizabeth I, became the new queen.

As Lord Mayor, Sir Thomas Leigh had a very special role. He led the grand procession for Queen Elizabeth I's coronation. This was a huge honor! The next year, in 1559, Queen Elizabeth showed her appreciation by making him a knight. From then on, he was known as Sir Thomas Leigh.

Sir Thomas's Home: Stoneleigh Abbey

Stoneleigh Abbey was bought by Sir Rowland Hill for Sir Thomas Leigh.

In 1561, Sir Rowland Hill bought Stoneleigh Abbey. This was after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, when many church lands were sold. Sir Rowland bought it for Sir Thomas Leigh, who was his ward (someone he was responsible for).

A large house was built on the land where the old monastery used to be. Sir Thomas Leigh's family lived at Stoneleigh Abbey from 1561 all the way until 1993!

Sir Thomas Leigh's Family and Descendants

Sir Thomas Leigh had many children. His family became very important in England.

Sir Thomas Leigh's family tree includes the famous writer Jane Austen.

One of his famous descendants is the writer Jane Austen. She is known for classic novels like Pride and Prejudice. She was related to Sir Thomas through her mother, Cassandra Leigh.

Other descendants include the Leigh baronets and the Barons Leigh of Stoneleigh. These are noble titles that stayed in the family. His family also includes the Earls of Chichester and the Duchess of Dudley.

One of Sir Thomas's daughters, Winifred Leigh, married George Bond. He also became a Lord Mayor of London later on. Another daughter, Katherine Leigh, married Edward Baber. He was a Member of Parliament and a judge in Bath.

The family crest of the Barons Leigh.

Thomas Leigh (Lord Mayor) facts for kids

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