Henry Fitz-Ailwin de Londonestone
Encyclopedia
Henry Fitz-Ailwin de Londonestone (ca. 1135–1212) was the first Mayor of London (later known as Lord Mayor of London from 1347 and then Lord Mayor of the City of London from 2006). He held office from 1189 until his death in 1212.
. Richard demanded increased taxes and took out several loans from London's merchants to pay for his foreign wars. In return for this finance, the aldermen and merchants of London were granted a degree of autonomy which resulted in the creation of the post of Mayor. Previously, the City
had been governed by a portreeve
, who was an officer of the crown. The City gained more powers to self-rule in a charter issued by Richard's successor John
. William Hardel
, the Mayor in 1215, was the only commoner to sign the Magna Carta
.
London was much afflicted by fire in the eleventh and twelfth century. According to City tradition, in 1189 Fitz-Ailwin introduced regulations that provided for settling boundary disputes between neighbours and for encouraging the use of stone in building.
Fitz-Ailwin was succeeded as Mayor by Roger Fitzalan.
. After his death, Watton Manor passed to the Bardolf family.
History
Fitz-Ailwin came to power at a time of unrest between Richard I and the City of LondonCity of London
The City of London is a small area within Greater London, England. It is the historic core of London around which the modern conurbation grew and has held city status since time immemorial. The City’s boundaries have remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, and it is now only a tiny part of...
. Richard demanded increased taxes and took out several loans from London's merchants to pay for his foreign wars. In return for this finance, the aldermen and merchants of London were granted a degree of autonomy which resulted in the creation of the post of Mayor. Previously, the City
City of London
The City of London is a small area within Greater London, England. It is the historic core of London around which the modern conurbation grew and has held city status since time immemorial. The City’s boundaries have remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, and it is now only a tiny part of...
had been governed by a portreeve
Portreeve
A portreeve, or 'port warden' is a historical British political appointment with a fluctuating role which evolved over time.The origins of the position are in the reign of Edward the Elder, who, in order to ensure that taxes were correctly exacted, forbade the conducting of trades outside of a...
, who was an officer of the crown. The City gained more powers to self-rule in a charter issued by Richard's successor John
John of England
John , also known as John Lackland , was King of England from 6 April 1199 until his death...
. William Hardel
William Hardel
William Hardell was a Mayor of London and a Magna Carta surety.He was appointed Sheriff of the City of London in 1207 and elected Mayor of London in 1215....
, the Mayor in 1215, was the only commoner to sign the Magna Carta
Magna Carta
Magna Carta is an English charter, originally issued in the year 1215 and reissued later in the 13th century in modified versions, which included the most direct challenges to the monarch's authority to date. The charter first passed into law in 1225...
.
London was much afflicted by fire in the eleventh and twelfth century. According to City tradition, in 1189 Fitz-Ailwin introduced regulations that provided for settling boundary disputes between neighbours and for encouraging the use of stone in building.
Fitz-Ailwin was succeeded as Mayor by Roger Fitzalan.
Personal life
Fitz-Ailwin married in 1164 although the identity of his wife is not known. He had at least four sons - Peter Fitz-Henry (born 1165, died 1207), Alan Fitz-Henry (born 1167), Thomas Fitz-Henry (born 1169) and Richard Fitz-Henry (born 1172). Peter Fitz-Henry is believed to have married Isabel de Chesney, daughter of Bartholomew de Chesney. In 1200, Fitz-Ailwin inherited Watton Manor in HertfordshireHertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
. After his death, Watton Manor passed to the Bardolf family.