Sir Wolstan Dixie

Wolstan Dixie belonged to the family that owned considerable estates at Catworth in Huntingdonshire.

Born as the fourth son of Thomas Dixie, he was predetermined to become the businessman. By marrying the daughter of his master, Sir Christopher Draper, an ironmonger and lord mayor of London, Dixie ensured his material position for the future. He became a freeman of the Skinners’ Company and participated in furs and skins trade. In his ownership were manor of Bosworth, as well as other lands and tenements in Bosworth, Gilmorton, Coton (Leicestershire), Carleton, Osbaston, Bradley (Leicestershire) and North Kilworth.

His public engagement involved serving as alderman of Broad Street ward (1573-1574) and St. Michael Bassishaw ward in 1592. In 1575 Dixie became one of the sheriffs of London, and ten years later he was appointed Lord Mayor of London. He spent the rest of his life as an active magistrate and benefactor who left large charitable bequests in London.