Robert Sutton

Robert Sutton was one the richest and most influential Lincoln merchants of his day. Most of his substantial income derived from the wool trade, although he is to be found dealing in other commodities such as iron and wine as well. Robert often acted in partnership with his brother, John I, while exporting large quantities of wool from Boston to Calais.

Robert occupied two important offices which gave him a valuable commercial advantage over his rivals. First office was that of mayor of the Boston Staple which he occupied during 1379 - 1380, and the second was as collector of customs at Boston from 1385 till 1390. He occupied a number of other offices of the local government and was chosen to represent the city in 11 Parliaments between 1381 and 1399.

Sutton invested a large proportion of his money in property. His messuages, shops and rents were worth £32 a year in Lincoln alone, and other estates in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire produced a further £25 if not more.

Rober Sutton died on 15 Apr. 1414, and was buried at St. Andrew’s church in Lincoln. He left £50 for his funeral ceremony, made a large number of pious bequests of which the most notable were two of £100 each for the poor of Lincoln and the repair of churches in Lindsey and Kesteven, and £2,000 in cash for his wife and son.