Robert Messingham

Robert Messingham was a rich and influential figure of Lincoln. Most of his wealth came from the wool trade although he did, however, deal in other merchandise as well, paying customs at Boston on an assignment of iron worth £15 (in 1384) and one of woad valued at £20 (in 1387). Although he was mostly concerned with trade, Messingham possessed extensive land holdings, although evidently confined to Lincoln and its suburbs.

Messingham seems to have avoided civic duties, as in 1374 he gave £20 to the then mayor for an exemption from having to serve as bailiff, but was still appointed to the post in September 1382, and consequently became responsible for holding the parliamentary elections in the following February. He also served as mayor in 1388, and was a Member of Parliament in 1394.