Sir Henry Billingsley

Sir Henry Billingsley was an English merchant who served as Lord Mayor of London and is credited with the first English translation of Euclid.

Born in a family of a haberdasher and assay master of London, Henry was educated at St. John’s College, Cambridge and at Oxford. Although he developed strong interest in mathematics, he rather choose commercial career. After an apprenticeship Billingsley became in 1560 a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers like his father. Over time he built a prosperous mercantile career that was accompanied with the success in the public life. Billingsley therefore served as sheriff of London in 1584, alderman of Tower Ward in 1585 and Lord Mayor of London in 1596. Later he also joined the world of politics and sat in Parliament in 1603. In 1597 he was made a knigh. His career continued to prosper and in 1589 he was appointed one of the Elizabeth’s customs collectors.

Following his successful career, Billingsley was able to acquire Doynton Manor, and he founded three scholarships for poor students at St. John's College.