Sir James Pemberton

James Pemberton was a distinguished goldsmith of London and Lord Mayor in 1611.

Born in Wrightington into the family of a farmer, young Jones came to London at the age of 17 and was apprenticed to Francis Heaton. Becoming a member of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, he rose in the ranks of the company serving as Prime Warden for 1600-1601. He was also a substantial land and property owner in Twickenham.

Pemberton had a prominent role in city government and was elected an alderman of the city of London for Bishopsgate ward (1602) and Castle Baynard ward (1603), Sheriff (1602) and Lord Mayor of London (1611). He was knighted in 1603.

He was an owner of the large mansion, Camden House in Maiden Lane.

Part of his wealth Pemberton endowed to charity and endowed a grammar school at Heskin which was opened in 1600.