The Royal Exchange in the City of London stands as a legacy of 1565, when Thomas Gresham proposed a bourse modeled after the Antwerp exchange. By financing the structure himself, he secured a significant return through rental income from the upper-level shops while providing a centralized hub for the city's burgeoning merchant class to conduct their trade.
Early Development and European Trade
Born in 1519 to a prominent mercantile family, Gresham received his early education at St Paul's School before attending Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Simultaneously, he entered the Mercers' Company under the guidance of his uncle, Sir John Gresham. In 1543, he became a liveryman and relocated to the Low Countries. Based in Antwerp, he established his credentials as an adept merchant and diplomatic agent for King Henry VIII.
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Gresham's influence on the English economy grew in 1551 following the failure of his predecessor, Sir William Damsell. He implemented strategic, albeit aggressive, measures to raise the value of the pound sterling on the Antwerp exchange, effectively eliminating the debts of King Edward VI. During the subsequent reign of Queen Mary I, he successfully navigated political shifts to manage government loans and logistics. Under Elizabeth I, he attained the rank of Knight Bachelor and served as Ambassador Plenipotentiary to the Court of Duchess Margaret of Parma.
Estates and Academic Legacy
Beyond his merchant activities, Gresham functioned as a temporary gaoler for Lady Mary Grey, holding her at his residences between 1569 and 1572. Upon his sudden death from apoplexy in 1579, he left a complex will. He provided for the establishment of Gresham College, which opened in 1597. His bequest stipulated that his London house and the Royal Exchange revenues fund seven professorships, specifically in astronomy, geometry, physic, law, divinity, rhetoric, and music.
Fast facts
- Born: 1519, London
- Died: 1579, London
- Education: St Paul's School, Gonville and Caius College
- Occupation: Merchant, financier, diplomat
- Key accomplishment: Founded the Royal Exchange, 1565
- Distinction: Knight Bachelor
- Resting place: St Helen's Bishopsgate
Questions readers ask
Did Thomas Gresham invent the economic concept known as Gresham's Law?
No. While the principle of 'bad money drives out good' is named after him because he advised Queen Elizabeth I on currency restoration, the term was coined in 1857 by economist Henry Dunning Macleod.
What was the purpose of Gresham's final bequest?
He directed that his property and rental income from the Royal Exchange be used to fund a college in London featuring seven professors in various academic disciplines.
Achievements
- Knight Bachelor
- Educated at St Paul's School and Gonville and Caius College
