Gresham

Gresham, Sir Thomas (d. 1579), founder of the Royal Exchange, was the second son of Sir Richard Gresham, Lord Mayor of London, and was born about 1520. After leaving Cambridge, he was apprenticed to his uncle Sir John Gresham, and also assisted his father. In 1551 he became "king's merchant," or royal agent abroad, and went to live at Antwerp, where he negotiated loans and contracted for the supply of military stores.

He was also occasionally employed in diplomatic affairs. In 1565 he offered to build an Exchange at his own cost if the City would provide a site, and the foundation-stone was laid on June 7, 1566. Two years later it was ready for use, and in 1570 was visited by Queen Elizabeth. From the large fortune he had amassed the Gresham Lectures were also endowed, and also eight almshouses. At his house in Bishopsgate Street he gave splendid entertainments, the Queen, Lord Burghley, and Leicester being among his guests. The Life and Times of Sir Thomas Gresham, by the Rev. J. W. (Dean) Burgon, appeared in 1889.