William Cromer facts for kids
William Cromer (sometimes spelled Crowmer) was an important person in London during the 1400s. He held many key positions, including being a Sheriff, a Lord Mayor of London, and a Member of Parliament. He helped lead the city and manage its affairs for many years.
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Early Life and Business
William Cromer was likely from a town called Cromer in Norfolk, England. Later, he moved to London. By the year 1390, he had settled there and became a very successful merchant. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods, often in large amounts.
Important Roles in London
William Cromer held several important jobs in London:
- He was a leader (called a Warden) of the Drapers Company. This was a group for people who sold cloth. He was Warden in 1394 and again from 1428 to 1429.
- He worked as an Auditor for London. An Auditor checks the city's money and accounts. He did this from 1399 to 1400 and again from 1409 to 1411.
- He became an Alderman. An Alderman was like a city council member for a specific area (called a ward). He was an Alderman for Billingsgate Ward from 1403 to 1420. After that, he was an Alderman for Candlewick Ward until he passed away.
Sheriff and Lord Mayor
William Cromer was elected to two very important positions in London:
- He served as a Sheriff of London from 1405 to 1406. A Sheriff helped keep law and order in the city.
- He was chosen as Lord Mayor of London twice. He was Lord Mayor from 1413 to 1414 and again from 1423 to 1424. The Lord Mayor is the head of the city government.
Serving in Parliament
Besides his roles in London, William Cromer also became a Member of Parliament. This meant he represented the City of London in the national government. He was elected to Parliament in 1407, 1417, and again in May 1421.
Family and Legacy
William Cromer passed away in 1434. He was buried in a church called St Martin Orgar in London. He left some of his property to the church.
He was married twice. His first wife was named Katherine. His second wife was Margaret, whose father was Sir Thomas Squiry.
William and Margaret had a son, also named William. This son inherited land in Kent. He later became a Sheriff of Kent. William Cromer's daughter, Emmeline, married James Fiennes, who was known as the 1st Baron Saye and Sele.
