Sir Thomas Rich

Sir Thomas Rich, 1st Baronet was an English merchant and politician who is primarily remembered for establishing Sir Thomas Rich's School at Gloucester.

Thomas Rich was born in Gloucester to a family of Thomas Rich and Anne. His father was a prosperous Gloucester merchant who owned considerable property in the town. Thomas established himself in London as a member of the Vintners’ Company, a Turkey merchant, and an investor in the East India Company.

In 1654 Rich bought the manor of Sonning, near Reading, which became his principal residence. He also held land in Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Kent. In 1657 Rich was appointed High Sheriff of Berkshire and in 1660 was elected Member of Parliament for Reading. Rich was one of the merchants who assisted Charles II financially shortly before the Restoration, and was rewarded with a baronetcy in 1661.

Rich was a benefactor of the Reading Blue Coat School and founder of the Blue Coat School at Gloucester, his educational endowments alone amounted to about £7,000, and other legacies totaled some £3,500. His annual income was estimated at £2,000, and his personal estate was valued at £41,000 at his death.