No. 3498
Thomas Kirkby
fl. 1381-1411Merchant and officialEurope · 1381Most named place: Netherlands (approximate)
Thomas Kirkby was a member of the mercantile community of Hull, with a particular interest in the export of cloth and wool, which he shipped regularly from the port from 1381 onwards. In 1386, he was shipwrecked in the waters of the Humber while sailing for Holland with a group of English merchants. Their merchandise was arrested by one John Frank of Holderness, and in December of that year Kirkby travelled to Westminster to present a petition for redress to the royal council and act as spokesman for his associates.
In 1391 and 1409, Kirkby assumed office as town bailiff, and was mayor of the Staple at Kingston-upon-Hull, but the date is unknown. Between 1391 and 1411 he was elected for eight times to Parliament.
