Sir Thomas Viner

Born in Gloucestershire, Viner came to London as a twelve years boy soon after his father's death in 1600 and started to live with his half-sister's family. In a time marked by the great commercial prosperity, he joined the Goldsmiths’ Company seeking for his personal well-being.

By 1624 he became a leading member of the Goldsmiths' Company and rose to prominence. He served under James I as comptroller of the mint, and under Cromwell as a supplier of large quantities of bullion and plate intended for the state and the East India Company for minting coinage. He was also involved in large loans to the government.

In 1660 with the restoration of the monarchy, Viner succeeded to keep his offices although they were gained during the Cromwell’s rule, and as an additional step forward, he was made a baronet by the King Charles II.

He died in 1665, worth perhaps £100,000 or over £2.7bn in today’s terms.