Thomas Smythe
| Sir Thomas Smythe | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born | c.1558 |
| Died | 4 September 1625 (aged 66–67) Sutton-at-Hone |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Merchant, politician, colonial administrator |
| Known for | Governor of the East India Company |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Blount |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Thomas "Customer" Smythe and Alice Judde |
Sir Thomas Smythe or Smith (c.1558 – 4 September 1625), was an English merchant, politician and colonial administrator. He was the first governor of the East India Company and treasurer of the Virginia Company from 1609 to 1620 until enveloped by scandal.
The second surviving son of Thomas "Customer" Smythe of Westenhanger Castle in Kent, by his wife Alice, daughter of Sir Andrew Judde. His grandfather, John Smythe of Corsham, Wiltshire, was described as yeoman, haberdasher and clothier, and was High Sheriff of Essex for the year of 1532. His father was also a haberdasher, and was ‘customer’ of the port of London. He purchased Westenhanger from Sir Thomas Sackville, and other property from Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Thomas Smythe's elder son, Sir John Smythe or Smith (1556?–1608) of Westenhanger, was High Sheriff of Kent in 1600, and father of Thomas Smythe, 1st Viscount Strangford.
Thomas senior, one of thirteen children, was brought in his father's business, and was educated at Merchant Taylors' School (1571).
In 1580, young Smythe was admitted to the freedom of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and also of the Worshipful Company of Skinners. He quickly rose to wealth and distinction after entering politics to augment his business.
Smythe was made Auditor for the City of London from 1597 to 1598, and Treasurer of St Bartholomew's Hospital from 1597 to 1601. In 1597, he was briefly elected to Parliament for Aylesbury. In 1599, he was elected alderman for Farringdon Without and chosen as one of the two sheriffs of the City of London for 1600.
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