Thomas Holme

Thomas Holme dominated political and economic life of York during the late 14th century. He was not only extremely rich and successful merchant but also active public figure who devoted years of his life to the business of local government.

Thomas Holme owned numerous dwellings and shops in York, as well as widespread farmland in Little Smeaton, Norton, Pontefract and Stapleton in Yorkshire, and in Newark, Nottinghamshire, some of which may well have come to him through his first wife, Mary. But most of his wealth came from trade, often carried out in partnership with his brother Robert. They owned a house in Calais, which served as a base for their flourishing business activities, most notably in wool and cloth. Tomas was also engaged in import of diverse merchandise such as woad, wax and raisins. He was also one of the leading cloth manufacturers of York. As did other merchants of the era so did Thomas faced the constant risk of shipwreck or even piracy. Shortly before the summer of 1377, he and his brother contracted to send wool worth 800 marks to Calais on a Dutch ship, only to lose the entire cargo when the crew made off for home with the spoils.

Holme held a number of offices in the local government and was Mayor of York in 1373, and a Member of Parliament in 1385 and 1388. Throughout his life he donated money to charitable endowments.