Ralph Freeman

Ralph Freeman was an English merchant and Lord Mayor of London in 1633.

Merchant of a city of London, Freeman was a member of the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers in charge for cloth production. In 1620 he achieved the post of master of the Company. He was also included in business affairs of the English East India Company, and was member of its committee in several occasions (1605-1611, 1612-1615, 1617-1619, 1622-1623). Freeman was also involved in the work of another company, the Levant Company which traded with Turkey and Levant, serving as one of the Court Assistants from 1614 to 1615 and from 1616 to 1623.

Besides his interest in trade, Freeman was also active on the field of local government. In 1622 he was elected an alderman of the City of London for Bishopsgate ward, and in 1633 for Cornhill ward. He also served as auditor of the City (1613-1615), sheriff of London 1623-1624, and Lord Mayor (in 1633), the most important local government position in London.