Thomas Sutton

Born as son of an official of the city of Lincoln Thomas was educated at Eton College and at St John's College, Cambridge. First he settled on a military career, and served for a while as Master of the Ordnance in the North being responsible for military supplies and fortification in the north of England. However, while he was serving in Durham Thomas noted the abundance of coal in the area. Recognising great business opportunity, Thomas leased coal-rich land from the Church and the Crown, and by 1580 was among the richest men in England. His personal fortune was worth about £160,000 or £6.5bn. in today's terms. Sutton was also a generous benefactor spending £13,000 for establishment of a hospital and school at Charterhouse.