Thomas Ramsey (mayor) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Ramsey (born around 1510 or 1511, died 1590) was a very successful merchant in London. He was an important city official, serving as an Alderman from 1566 to 1590. He was also made a knight, and held the roles of Sheriff in 1567–68 and Lord Mayor in 1577–78. His second wife, Lady Mary Ramsey, was well-known for her generous charitable work.

Early Life and Career

Sir Thomas Ramsey was born in a place called Eaton Bridge, Kent (which is now Edenbridge, Kent), either in 1510 or 1511. We don't know much about his early home life. He was the second son of John Ramsey and had an older brother named William, plus three sisters.

Not many details about Ramsey's life and career have survived over time. One person who studied his wills and belongings, F.W. Fairholt, even said that "the incidents of Sir Thomas Ramsey's career have not descended to our time." However, his second wife, Lady Mary Ramsey, was more famous and her story gives us a bit more information about him.

Becoming a Merchant

After training in London, Thomas Ramsey became a full member of the Worshipful Company of Grocers between 1537 and 1539. This was a powerful group for merchants who dealt in spices and other goods. In 1540, he married Alice, who was born around 1492 or 1493 and died in 1578. She was the daughter of Bevis Lea from Staffordshire.

As a successful merchant, Sir Thomas bought a large house in Lombard Street in 1566. This house had a "very fair forefront" and used to belong to Sir Martin Bowes. It was also where Ramsey ran his business.

Ramsey's Home and Wealth

Sir Thomas called his house "my mansion house" in his will. It seems it was a big, important building with a garden at the back and a small building at the entrance to a courtyard. There was even a well in the yard and a special 'spice house' for his goods.

Ramsey was elected an Alderman in December 1566, representing the Cheap ward. An Alderman was a senior member of the city's government. He became Lord Mayor in 1577–78, which was a very important position. He was made a knight in May 1578. Later, from 1588, he served as Alderman for the Cornhill ward. He was known for attending meetings regularly and became one of the richest people in London.

Family Life and Later Years

Sir Thomas and his first wife, Alice, did not have any children. Alice passed away on January 15, 1577. The next year, Thomas married Mary, who was the oldest daughter of William Dale, a merchant from Bristol. Mary had been married before to Thomas Avery, who died in 1576. Sir Thomas and Lady Mary also did not have any children together.

Charitable Work

Sir Thomas was known as "Rich Ramsey" because of his wealth. He was very active in helping others through charity. He was a Governor of St Bartholomew's Hospital from 1559 to 1561. He also checked the hospital's accounts in 1560–61. From 1582 or 1583 until his death in 1590, he was the president of Christ's Hospital, a famous school and charity.

Sir Thomas made two wills. One was about his personal belongings, signed in 1585, and the other was about his property, signed in 1586. He left money to his relatives, friends, servants, and to the poor. For example, he gave "tenne poundes" to the poor people of Eaton Bridge, his hometown. He also remembered prisons, hospitals, and the Grocers' Company in his will.

After giving out specific gifts, half of what was left went to Lady Mary. The other half was shared among certain relatives. When Lady Mary passed away, the rest of the estate was to go to other named relatives. A detailed list of all his movable goods, household items, and plate from 1590 shows how wealthy he was. It listed everything room by room, with its estimated value.

Important Connections

Ramsey's will also showed how important and influential he was. It mentioned a loan of £550 that was due from Robert, Earl of Leicester, who was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Ramseys were even included in a play by Thomas Heywood called "If you know not me, you know nobody; or, The troubles of Queene Elizabeth." In the play, they appear as a wealthy man and his wife who helps make peace. The play also shows a long-running dispute between Sir Thomas and the more famous Sir Thomas Gresham, who founded the Royal Exchange.

Death and Legacy

Sir Thomas Ramsey passed away on May 15, 1590. Since they had no children, Lady Mary continued his charitable work after his death. She was a great supporter of Christ's Hospital and Queen Elizabeth's Hospital in Bristol.

Sir Thomas was buried in his local church, St Mary Woolnoth, on Lombard Street. A monument was put up in 1596, mentioning both his first wife, Dame Alice, and his second wife, Dame Mary. The church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Although it was rebuilt, it was later pulled down in 1716 to make way for a new church. Lady Mary died in November 1601.

Images for kids

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  Mary, Lady Ramsey