Sir John Jolles

John Jolles was a wealthy merchant of London who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1615.

Born into a family of a draper, Jolles continued the family occupation and became a successful draper and stapler in the capital trading in wools and woolen clothes. During the Lough Foyle expedition in 1600 he was a supplier of the provisions to the Crown forces.

Jolles also had a prominent role in city government and served as an alderman of the City of London for Tower ward (1605), sheriff of London (1605-1606) and Lord Mayor of London (in 1615). The same year he was elected a Mayor, he was knighted at Greenwich.

A great wealth that he acquired for life Jolles used for the charity work since he was childless. He built a school in his native village at Stratford Bow, Middlesex and founded almshouses for the needy.

Two poems, England's Farewell to Christian the Fourth, Famous King of Denmark and London's Artillery are dedicated to him.