Sir John Leman

John Leman was an English merchant who served as Mayor of London.

Originating from Saxlingham, Norfolk, Leman established himself as wholesale merchant in the 1580s in London. He traded in supplies required in the metropolis, such as butter and cheese from a Suffolk county and in more exotic item, such as pepper, which he received as dividend for his investments in East India Company joint stocks.

During his career, Leman served as prime warden of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers in 1605, alderman of London, sheriff (1606) and Lord Mayor (1616). In 1617 he was knighted by the king James I.

Leman owned manor of Warboys in Huntingdonshire, which he bought from Sir Oliver Cromwell, and the manor of Brampton. His most notable charity was the school in Beccler which still bears his name.