Sir Thomas Leigh

Thomas Leigh was a distinguished English merchant in wool who held various public offices during his lifetime.

Born in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, Thomas was raised by Sir Roland Hill, a wool merchant who would later become his business partner in a highly profitable company that traded cloth. Their business partnership was additionally enhanced by his marriage with Roland’s niece. Over time Thomas emerged as one of the richest men in England.

In 1558 he had the honor to lead the procession leading up the coronation of Elizabeth I of England, and was knighted the following year. His social prominence implied the involvement in the public life of the community and he served as sheriff of London in 1555 and Lord Mayor of London in 1558.

Together with Roland Hill he acquired Stoneleigh Abbey, a large county mansion in Warwickshire, where some of his descendants lived until 1990.