Thomas Myddelton (Lord Mayor of London) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Myddelton (born 1550, died 1631) was an important Welsh merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London and later a Member of Parliament for London.

Early Life and Family

Thomas was the fourth son of Richard Myddelton. His father was the Governor of Denbigh Castle in Wales. His mother was Jane Dryhurst.

He had several interesting brothers. William was a poet and sailor. Sir Hugh Myddelton was a successful merchant. He also made cloth. Another brother, Robert, became a Member of Parliament.

A Successful Career

When he was young, Thomas learned the grocery trade in London. He became very rich through his business. He spent his time between London and Wales. In 1595, he bought Chirk Castle for £5,000.

Thomas was part of the Grocers' Company. This was a powerful group of merchants. He became a Sheriff of London in 1604. In 1613, he was chosen as the Lord Mayor of London. He was also one of the first members of the British East India Company. This company traded goods from faraway lands.

In 1603, Thomas was made a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir." His brother, Sir Hugh Myddelton, helped create the New River. This project brought fresh water to London starting in 1613.

Thomas Myddelton also helped publish a Welsh language Bible. He worked with Rowland Heylyn to make sure it was available for everyday use.

His Family Life

A portrait of his eldest son, Sir Thomas Myddelton of Chirk Castle, around 1650.

Sir Thomas Myddelton was married four times. His first wife was Hester Saltonstall. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Saltonstall, who was also a Lord Mayor of London. Thomas and Hester had two sons:

• Thomas Myddelton (born around 1586, died 1666). He lived at Chirk Castle.
• Richard Myddelton (1586–died around 1607).

After Hester passed away, he married Elizabeth Olmstead. They had two sons and two daughters:

• Henry Myddelton, who died young.
• Timothy Myddelton (born around 1590, died 1655). He inherited his father's properties in Essex.
• Hester Myddelton (died 1614). She married Sir Henry Salusbury, 1st Baronet.
• Mary Myddelton (died around 1681). She married Sir John Maynard.

His third wife was Elizabeth Brooke Thorpe Hobart. She had been married twice before. She passed away in 1619.

His fourth wife was Anna Vanaker Wittewronge. She was from Antwerp. She had also been married before.

Sir Thomas Myddelton passed away on August 12, 1631. His son Timothy inherited his estates in Essex.

His Grandchildren

Through his eldest son Thomas, Sir Thomas Myddelton was the grandfather of Sir Thomas Myddelton, 1st Baronet. This grandson was given the special title of "baronet" in 1660.

Through his daughter Hester, he was the grandfather of Sir Thomas Salusbury, 2nd Baronet. This grandson was a Member of Parliament for Denbighshire. He also served on King Charles I’s war council.