Sir Thomas Lowe

Born into a merchant family of Simon Lowe, Thomas began his career as apprentice to Thomas Aldersey and joined the Haberdashers’ Company after the end of apprenticeship. He was also a member of the Merchant Adventurer’s, and served as governor of the Levantine Company from 1605 until his death.

For one period of his life, starting with 1579 Lowe had transferred his business activities to Nuremberg where he established business bringing in cloth from England and exporting silk, knives and other small wares. His absence lasted until about 1592 when he returned to London and continued to pursue his enterprises. In the period that followed, Lowe served as Master of the Haberdashers’ Company several times between 1594 and 1618, became in charge of collecting the royal loans and extended his interests to profitable moneylending.

Prominence in the world of business implied the participation in the public life of the community at that time. Therefore, during the life Lowe served as an alderman of the City of London, sheriff, and a Member of Parliament on several occasions between 1606 and 1622.

For his efforts in business and public sphere, Lowe was rewarded with a knighthood in 1603.