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Gresham (SIR THOMAS an English)

SIR THOMAS, an English financier; born in 1519; only son of Sir Richard Gresham. Apprenticed to his uncle, Sir John Gresham, a wealthy London mercer, and then sent to study at Gonville Hall, Cambridge, in 1543 he was admitted a member of the Mercers' Company, and in 1551 was employed as "king's merchant" at Antwerp. In two years he paid off a heavy loan, entirely restored the king's credit, and introduced a new system of finance. As a Protestant, he got his dismissal from Queen Mary, but on presenting a memorial of his past services, was soon reinstated.

By Queen Elizabeth he was in 1559 knighted and appointed for a short time English ambassador at the court of the regent at Brussels. The troubles in the Netherlands compelled him, in 1567, to withdraw finally from Antwerp. In 1569, by his advice, the State was induced to borrow money from London merchants, instead of from other foreigners, to the great advantage of the mercantile body.

Having in 1564 lost his only son, Richard, in 1566-1571 he devoted a portion of his great wealth to the erection of an Exchange in imitation of that of Antwerp, for the London merchants, who were wont to meet in the open air. Renowned for his hospitality and liberality, he frequently entertained foreign personages of distinction, and erected a magnificent mansion at Osterly Park, near Brentford, where he was visited by Queen Elizabeth. For the endowment of a college in London he directed by his will that his town mansion in Bishopsgate street should be converted into a residence and lecture rooms for seven professors, to be salaried out of the royal exchange revenues. He also provided for the erection and support of eight almshouses, and made many other chari- GRESHAM republicans as were brought to trial for GREY table bequests. He died in London, Eng- American jurist; born near Lanesville, GRESHAM, WALTER QUINTON, an this way he gained a reputation as an. able republican orator, and when, in 1848, Louis Philippe was dethroned, and a republican government set up, Grévy land, Nov. 21, 1579.