Sir Richard Gresham

Richard Gresham was a descendant of prominent family that was allegedly present in Norfolk from 11th century.

Sent to London for an apprenticeship, Richard became a member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers in 1507 and thereafter a successful trader and financier. In partnership with his brother John, Richard was involved in the export of textiles and import of grain from the continent. He also provided financial services to the King, and was a close confidant of Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell. His close connections with Cromwell proved to be useful for his personal well-being as he obtained large grants of monastic land after dissolution of monasteries. Gresham also owned properties in London, Norfolk, Suffolk and Yorkshire. It is known that Gresham was one of the advocates of the Royal Exchange which would compete with those in Amsterdam.

As a Sheriff of London (1531) Gresham ordered burning of heretics on the stake. In 1537 he was elected Lord Mayor of London and soon afterwards he was knighted.

At the time of his death, he was worth around £40,000, or about £7.3bn in today's terms.