William Harpur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Harpur
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| Lord Mayor of London | |
| In office 1561–1561 |
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| Preceded by | William Chester |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Lodge |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1496 |
| Died | 27 February 1574 |
| Resting place | St Paul's Church, Bedford, England |
| Occupation | Merchant |
| Known for | Establishing the Harpur Trust |
Sir William Harpur (born around 1496 – died February 27, 1574) was an English businessman and generous person who helped others. He was the Lord Mayor of London in 1561. Born in Bedford, he moved to London and became very wealthy.
In 1566, Sir William and his wife Alice gave a lot of money to help different groups, especially those focused on education. This gift later grew into the Harpur Trust. Today, this trust helps support several independent schools in Bedford.
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Sir William Harpur's Life and Work
The Harpur family name was known in Bedford and Biddenham around the year 1500. We don't know much about William's early life. He went to Bedford School when it was run by monks from Newnham Priory.
Sir William was a very smart businessman. He moved to London and joined the Merchant Taylors in 1533. This was a powerful group of merchants. Here, he met many important people of his time.
Becoming a Leader in London
In 1553, he was chosen as an alderman for a part of London called Bridge Without. Three years later, he became an alderman for a more important area called Dowgate. He was chosen over three other people, including Thomas Gresham, who was also a famous merchant.
After many monasteries were closed, it became common for aldermen to help run royal hospitals. Sir William Harpur became the treasurer of St Bartholomew's Hospital. He also served as a Sheriff of the City of London from 1556 to 1557.
Lord Mayor and Knight
In 1561, Sir William Harpur became the Lord Mayor of London. This was a very important job. The next year, in 1562, Queen Elizabeth I made him a knight.
Around this time, he set up the special gift for Bedford. On September 30, 1562, he bought 13 acres of land and 3 roods of meadow for about £180. This land was in Holborn, just outside London, and it was a very good investment. On April 22, 1566, he and his wife, Dame Alice, officially gave this land to the town of Bedford.
Later Years and Family
Sir William Harpur stayed active in business and public life even after he was 70 years old. In 1565, he helped buy the land for Gresham's new Royal Exchange. He also regularly attended meetings for the Merchant Taylors.
His first wife, Alice, died on October 10, 1569. In September 1570, Sir William married Margaret Lethers. He passed away in 1574 when he was 77 years old.
Burial and Memorial
Sir William was buried in St Paul's Church, Bedford, just as he had wished. His widow, Dame Margaret, had a special metal plaque put up to remember him. The plaque says: "Hereunder lieth buried the body of Sir William Harpur, knight, alderman and late Lord Mayor of the city of London, with Dame Margaret, his last wife". This plaque is on the south wall of the church.
Dame Margaret married two more times before she died in Bedford on November 3, 1596.
Sir William Harpur's Lasting Impact
The Harpur Trust continues its important work today. It helps support education and fun activities for the people of Bedford. The five schools that are part of the trust are Bedford Academy, Bedford Girls' School, Bedford School, Bedford Modern School, and Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School.
Sir William Harpur's name is still used in many places today. You can find the Harpur estate office, a street in London, and a street in Bedford. There's also the Harpur area of Bedford, a hospital ward, a group of almshouses (homes for people in need), the Harpur Suite (a former meeting hall), and a shopping centre.
