Henry Fitz-Ailwin de Londonestone

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.

History

Fitz-Ailwin came to power at a time of unrest between Richard I and the City of London. 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.^[1]

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.^[2]

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 Hertfordshire. After his death, Watton Manor passed to the Bardolf family.^[3]

References