Sir Rowland Hill

Rowland started his career as an apprentice to the London mercer Thomas Kitson obtaining a freedom of the Worshipful Company of Mercers in 1516. By 1541 he became one of the three richest men in London. Hill was active as exporter of the broad clothes to Flanders and importer of linens and fustians. Part of his wealth he invest in acquiring of extensive estates in his home county as well as in Cheshire, Flintshire and Staffordshire.

Hill quickly rose in the ranks of the company and was elected as the Master four times between 1543 and 1561, and as Lord Mayor of London in 1549.

Much of his wealth Hill devoted to charity work and was credited with establishing of schools, the Bethlem asylum and the new Bridewell hospital.

He was knighted in 1542.