Henry Halton

Henry Halton’s early history remains obscure but he was already established in business as a grocer by May 1391. Before the end of the decade he became a warden of the Grocers’ Company, serving two terms, the first in 1398-1399, and the second in 1401.

In October 1392 he became the joint lessee six other Londoners, of a tenement, shops and rents belonging to Sir John Montagu and his wife in St. Antholin’s parish. They agreed to pay an annual rent of £10 for the premises while Lady Montagu lived, and in the following November they took on the lease of her shops in Bread Street as well. Haloton continued to invest in property but his mayor purchases did not happened before his marriage to Margery, the widow of John Osbarn, a wealthy London fishmonger. Margery certainly improved his financial circumstances, since she brought with her a title to various holdings in Lewisham, Kent, which were confirmed to the newly married couple in November 1403.

As a successful grocer, Halton became involved in the city’s government. He served as alderman, sheriff, tax collector, and controller of a subsidy. He was also a Member of Parliament in 1410.

Henry Halton was buried in St. Antholin’s church in Cordwainer Street Ward. In his will he left bequests to the poor of East Halton and North Killingholme, Lincolnshire, and many generous bequests to churches in London.