William Thompson (1792–1854) facts for kids

William Thompson (born 1792 – died 1854) was an important English businessman and politician. He held many big jobs in his life, including being the Lord Mayor of London and a Member of Parliament (MP).

Early Life and Business

William Thompson was born in 1792 and grew up in Grayrigg, Kendal, which is in Westmorland, England. He went to school at Charterhouse School.

Later, he moved to London and became an iron merchant. By the year 1800, he was a senior partner in a company called Thompson, Forman and Homfray. This company worked with iron manufacturing.

Important Roles in London

William Thompson became very successful. He was chosen to lead the Ironmongers' Company twice, in 1829 and 1841. He also became an Alderman for life in 1821, which is a senior member of a city council.

He served as the Sheriff of the City of London from 1822 to 1823. Then, he became the Lord Mayor of London from 1828 to 1829. These were very important positions in the city.

Other Public Service

William Thompson held many other significant roles:

• He was the Chairman of Lloyd's of London from 1826 to 1833. Lloyd's is a famous insurance market.
• He was involved with the Honourable Artillery Company, serving as treasurer, vice-president, and then president until his death. This is a historic military unit.
• He was a director of the Bank of England from 1827 until he passed away.
• He also served as treasurer for King's College, London and president of Christ's Hospital, a famous school.
• He was a trustee for the Patriotic Fund, which helped people in need.
• He helped lead the St. Katharine's Dock Company, first as deputy-chairman and then as chairman.

Political Career

William Thompson was also a politician. He was elected to be a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he represented people in the government.

He served as an MP for different areas:

• First, he represented Callington.
• Then, he represented London until 1832.
• After that, he was the MP for Sunderland from 1833 to 1841.
• Finally, he represented Westmorland from 1841 until his death in 1854.

Military Service

Besides his business and political roles, William Thompson also served in the military. He was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal London Militia from 1835 to 1851. He then became a Colonel in the same militia from 1851 until he died.

Family and Death

William Thompson was married to Amelia. Her father was Samuel Homfray, who was also an ironmaster. William and Amelia had one daughter.

William Thompson passed away on March 10, 1854.