William Craven (Lord Mayor of London) facts for kids
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Sir William Craven (born 1548, died 1618) was a very successful English merchant. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1610. His life story is a bit like the famous tale of Dick Whittington. Both started with little and became very important in London. However, the Dick Whittington story was written before Sir William became Lord Mayor.
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Sir William's Life Story
Sir William Craven was born around 1548 in a small village called Appletreewick. This village is in Yorkshire, a county in northern England. When he was about 13 or 14 years old, he traveled to London. He became an apprentice to Robert Hulson, who was a "merchant tailor." This meant he made and sold clothes.
In 1569, William officially became a member of the Merchant Taylors' Company. This was a powerful group for tailors and merchants. He worked hard and became very successful.
Becoming a Leader in London
Sir William Craven started to take on important roles in London.
- In 1593, he became a warden of his company.
- In 1600, he was chosen as an alderman for Bishopsgate ward. An alderman was a senior member of the city council.
- In 1601, he became a sheriff of London. Sheriffs helped keep law and order in the city.
- In 1603, James I knighted him, so he became "Sir William Craven."
Lord Mayor of London
The biggest honor came in 1610 when Sir William Craven was chosen as the Lord Mayor of London. This was a very important job, like being the city's top leader. During his time as mayor, a big parade was held, which had not happened for many years. He also hosted important guests, like Christian, Prince of Anhalt, at a grand feast.
Sir William lived in a large house in Cornhill. This house was later leased to the East India Company. It was eventually torn down to build the famous East India House. Sir William Craven passed away on July 18, 1618, and was buried in London.
Sir William's Family
Sir William Craven married Elizabeth Whitmore around 1605. Her brother, Sir George Whitmore, also became a Lord Mayor of London. Sir William and Elizabeth had five children:
- Elizabeth Craven (1600–1662)
- Mary Craven (1602–1634)
- William Craven (1608–1697): He became a very important person and was made an Earl.
- John Craven (1610–1648): He was a Member of Parliament and later became a Baron. He also created special scholarships for students.
- Thomas Craven (died 1636)
Sir William's Legacy
Sir William Craven cared a lot about education and helping others. He left behind many gifts and foundations that still help people today.
Helping Schools and Colleges
- In 1596, he gave money to help build the library at St John's College, Oxford.
- In 1602, he founded a grammar school in Burnsall, North Yorkshire. This building is still used as a school today! You can even see his name and the year 1601 above the school door.
- In 1611, he became the president of Christ's Hospital, a famous school and charity. He donated land to help the hospital.
- He also helped St John's College, Oxford with a gift that supported students from the Merchant Taylors' School.
Craven Scholarships
His son, John Craven, continued his father's generous spirit. In his will, John left money to create "Craven scholarships." These scholarships provided financial help for four students, two at Cambridge University and two at Oxford University. This fund still helps students today.
See also
- Earl of Craven
