Thomas White (merchant) facts for kids
Sir Thomas White (1492 – 12 February 1567) was an important English person. He was a successful cloth merchant, which means he bought and sold fabric. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1553. Sir Thomas White was also known for being very generous. He helped start St John's College, Oxford, a famous university college.
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Who Was Sir Thomas White?
Thomas White was born in Reading, Berkshire, England, in 1492. His father, William White, also worked with cloth. Thomas grew up in London. He was married twice, first to Avicia and later to Joan.
His Important Jobs
Sir Thomas White was a key member of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. This was a powerful group, like a club or union, for people who made and sold clothes.
He held several important positions in London:
- In 1547, he became the Sheriff of London. A sheriff was a high-ranking officer who helped keep law and order.
- In 1553, he was chosen as the Lord Mayor of London. This was the most important job in the city government.
- In the same year, Queen Mary I made him a knight. This meant he was given a special title of "Sir" for his service.
Sir Thomas White was also part of a group that decided the fate of Lady Jane Grey. She was a young noblewoman who was briefly queen.
Helping Others and Education
Sir Thomas White believed in helping people and supporting education.
- In 1555, he started St John's College, Oxford. He named it after the patron saint of the Merchant Taylors. He used the buildings of an older college that had closed down.
- He also helped create Merchant Taylors' School. He made sure that students from this school could get scholarships to study at St John's College.
- He set up scholarships for students from other schools too. These included Tonbridge School, Bristol Grammar School, Reading School, and King Henry VIII School, Coventry. One of the houses at King Henry VIII School is named after him.
- In 1560, he bought Gloucester Hall. He turned it into a place for students to live and study. This later became Worcester College.
Because of all his good deeds, Sir Thomas White was listed in a famous book called Nine Worthies of London in 1592. This book honored important London citizens.
Sir Thomas White Loan Charity
Sir Thomas White also started a special charity in 1542. This charity is still helping people today! It gives loans to people who want to start their own businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland. The best part is that these loans are interest-free, meaning you don't pay extra money back.
There are several monuments in England that remember Sir Thomas White. He is also honored on Leicester's Clock Tower.
