John Gresham

John Gresham was a descendant of a prominent family who was allegedly present in Norfolk from 11th century.

At the age of 14 John was sent to London where he became an apprentice of John Middleton, a famous mercer and one of the leading cloth exporters in London at that time. Becoming a member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, Gresham became a successful merchant who traded in various goods. His business dealings included trade in textiles in Low Countries, import of grain from Germany, wine from Bordeaux, silk and spices from the Ottoman Empire, and timber and skins from the Baltic. He also established trade connections with Portugal, Crete and eastern Mediterranean.

In 1553 he financially supported the expedition of Sir Hugh Willoughby and Richard Chancellor, which result was the creation of the Muscovy Company and the opening of trade with Russia. Gresham also provided services to Thomas Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell, the chief ministers of the king Henry VIII acting as their trading agent. He was knighted in 1537.

Gresham played an important role in city government serving as sheriff (1537) and Lord Mayor of London (1547-1548).