Wolstan Dixie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wolstan Dixie
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Sir Wolstan Dixie in the furred red gown and chain of his office, artist unknown, Christ's Hospital, near Horsham, West Sussex
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| Lord Mayor of London | |
| In office 1585–1586 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Pullyson |
| Succeeded by | George Barne |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1524/1525 |
| Died | 1594 |
Sir Wolstan Dixie (born around 1524 or 1525, died 1594) was an important English merchant and a leader in London. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1585.
Contents
Sir Wolstan Dixie's Early Life and Career
Wolstan Dixie was born in Catworth, Huntingdonshire. His parents were Thomas Dixie and Anne Jephson. Wolstan was the fourth son in his family.
He decided to go into business. He learned his trade by becoming an apprentice to Sir Christopher Draper. Sir Christopher was a member of the Ironmongers' Company and had been Lord Mayor in 1566. Wolstan later married Sir Christopher's daughter, Agnes.
Becoming a London Leader
Wolstan Dixie became a "freeman" of the Skinners' Company. This meant he was a full member of this important trade group. On February 4, 1573, he was chosen as an "alderman" for the Broad Street area of London. An alderman was a senior member of the city's government.
In 1575, he became one of the sheriffs of London. Sheriffs helped keep law and order in the city. His colleague that year was Edward Osborne.
Lord Mayor of London
In 1585, Wolstan Dixie reached a very high position: he became the Lord Mayor of London. This was a big event! His official start as mayor was celebrated with one of the first city pageants (parades with plays and performances) that we still know about today. The words for this pageant were written by a famous writer named George Peele.
In 1592, he changed his alderman role to represent the St. Michael Bassishaw area. Sir Wolstan Dixie was known as an active "magistrate," meaning he helped enforce laws. He was also a very kind and generous citizen. He passed away on January 8, 1594. After his death, his wife Agnes married William Hickman.
Sir Wolstan Dixie's Lasting Legacy
Sir Wolstan Dixie did not have any children of his own. However, he left behind a significant legacy through his generosity. He owned a lot of land, including the manor of Market Bosworth. This land later went to his family members, especially his great-nephew, also named Wolstan.
He was buried in the church of St. Michael Bassishaw in London. His great-nephew, Sir Wolstan Dixie of Appleby Magna, continued the family name. This younger Wolstan was knighted and became a Member of Parliament. His son, yet another Wolstan, was later made a "baronet" (a special title of honor).
Charitable Gifts and Education
Sir Wolstan Dixie left many large gifts to help people and institutions in London.
- He gave money to Christ's Hospital, a famous school, where he had been elected president in 1590.
- He set up a fund for a special lecture at the church of St. Michael Bassishaw, where he lived.
- He gave money to the Skinners' Company to lend to young merchants at a very low interest rate. This helped them start their businesses.
- He provided money for St. Bartholomew's Hospital and St. Thomas's Hospital, which were important hospitals.
- He gave money to help the poor people in various prisons like Bridewell, Newgate Prison, and Ludgate. He also helped those in Bedlam, which was a hospital for mental health.
- He supported people from other countries living in London, especially those from French and Dutch churches.
- He also helped pay for building a "pesthouse," which was a hospital for people with infectious diseases.
Sir Wolstan Dixie also cared a lot about education. He helped pay for the building of the new Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1584. In his will, he left money to create two special positions (fellowships) and two scholarships at the college. These were for students from his new grammar school in Market Bosworth, which is now called the Dixie Grammar School.
The money he left helped students and teachers for many years. Today, this fund supports the Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Cambridge. This is a very important teaching position in history at the university.
Portraits
- A portrait from 1593 shows him in his official robes in the courtroom of Christ's Hospital. The artist is unknown.
- An engraving from 1705 can be found in the Guildhall Library Print Room.
See also
- List of Lord Mayors of London
- Dixie baronets; this family line, many of whom were also named Wolstan, started with his grand-nephew.
- Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History
- Appleby Magna
