Sir Thomas Myddelton

Sir Thomas Myddelton was an English merchant and landowner who belonged to the family which had important role in the affairs of North Wales at least since the 15th century.

Apprenticed to a London grocer, Thomas became a freeman of Grocers’ Company in 1582 serving as surveyor of the out ports. By 1595 he was employed on public business such as the valuing prize cargoes, raising emergency military and naval supplies, and giving advice on currency problems.

During his long and prosperous career, Thomas was a founder member of the East India Company, as well as benefactor of the expeditions by Drake, Raleigh and Hawkins, which proved to be very lucrative. With the wealth that he acquired, he was able to buy the castle and lordship of Chirk for £5,000 from St John of Bletsloe in 1595. Engaged in public life Thomas served as MP for Merionethshire 1597 and lord lieutenant 1599, lord mayor of London 1613, and MP for the city of London 1624-1626.

In 1615 he acquired an Essex manor which was his country seat and other properties in the Home Counties.