John Alleyn (mercer)
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Sir John Alleyn (sometimes Alleyne;[1] died 1544) was an English merchant and politician who served two terms as Lord Mayor of London.
Family[edit]
John Alleyn was the eldest son of Richard Alleyn of Thaxted. He had two brothers, Christopher and John; it was not unknown at this time for families to have two sons with the same given name. His brothers both married daughters (and co-heirs) of Giles Leigh of Walton Leigh.[2]
Career[edit]
Alleyn became a successful mercer in London, where he was elected as one of the Sheriffs of London in 1518.[3] He was elected to his first term as Lord Mayor in 1525, and to a second term in 1535.[2] He was later chosen to join the Privy Council of King Henry VIII.[3] He was one of the principal benefactors of the 16th-century rebuilding of the Hospital of St Thomas of Acre, where he was later interred.[4] He also left a rich golden collar to be worn by Lord Mayors of London.[5]
Death and legacy[edit]
Alleyn died in 1544 and was buried at a chapel which he had built in St Thomas Acres.[2] He had no legitimate children, but he did have two illegitimate sons and one daughter. The elder son, Christopher Alleyn, inherited sufficient wealth to secure his status in society, becoming a Member of Parliament and marrying a daughter of William Paget, 1st Baron Paget.[6] Part of Alleyn's estate went to his brother John Alleyn, junior, ancestor of the Alleyn baronets.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ Brydges, Egerton "The Topographer" pg. 458
- ^ a b c d Wright, Thomas "The History and Topography of the County of Essex" pg. 245
- ^ a b Collins, Arthur, "The English Baronetage, Vol. 2" pg. 150
- ^ British History Online
- ^ Norris, Herbert, "Tudor Costume and Fashion"
- ^ History of Parliament: Alleyn, Sir Christopher