Sir William Herrick

William Herrick was an English jeweler, financier and diplomat who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1601 and 1622.

Born at Leicester into a family of ironmongers, Herrick was sent in 1574 to London on an apprenticeship to his elder brother Nicholas who was a distinguished goldsmith. Upon completion of apprenticeship, he established himself as a goldsmith and extended his business to lending money to the nobility.

As his business flourished, he came into possession of a small fortune and was able to acquire Beau Manor Park. Reputation of a shrewd businessman brought him into contact with the Queen Elizabeth who sent him on a diplomatic mission at the Ottoman court and rewarded him for this service with the lucrative post of the Exchequer. In 1603 he was named a principal jeweler of the Royal family of Wales and he held that office until 1625.

Two years later, in 1605 Herrick was knighted in recognition of the quality of his workmanship, and most likely, for the loans provided to the Crown.

In 1601 he was elected for the first time as Member of Parliament for Leicester, and again in 1604-1611 and 1621.

His career began to decline after 1621 due to increased financial difficulties.