John Parsons (died 1717)

Sir John Parsons
Born	1639 London, England
Died	25 January 1717
Occupation(s)	Brewer, politician
Years active	1685–1717 (politics)
Known for	Brewer, supplier to the Royal Navy, Tory MP, Lord Mayor of London (1703)

Sir John Parsons (1639 – 25 January 1717) of The Priory, Reigate, Surrey, was a prominent English brewer, supplier to the Royal Navy, and Tory politician who held seats in both the English and British House of Commons from 1685 until 1717. He also served as Lord Mayor of London in 1703.

Origins

Born in 1639 and baptized on 28 August at St Botolph without Aldgate, London, Parsons was the son of John Parsons, a brewer based in East Smithfield, London, and his wife Jane. By 1667, he had married Elizabeth Beane, daughter of Humphrey Beane, a cordwainer from Epsom, Surrey. Following Elizabeth’s death before 1677, Parsons remarried on 7 February that year to Jane Milward.

Commercial career

Parsons inherited the Red Lion Brewery located in East Smithfield, renowned for its robust stout known as "Parson's Black Champagne." The brewery not only served local customers but also exported beer to France, maintaining a leading role in beer exports. Between 1671 and 1674, he acted as joint farmer of excise for the counties of Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, and Westmorland. In 1677, he was appointed victualler to the navy and later became Commissioner for victualling the navy from 1683 until 1689.

In 1695, Parsons was appointed trustee for a lottery-financed initiative intended to establish "the Royal Academies," acting alongside other merchants as fiduciaries. However, this venture ultimately failed to materialize.

Reigate Place

In 1681, Parsons acquired the Priory estate in Reigate to serve as a family residence. He enhanced the property with distinguished interior details including an ornate staircase featuring intricate parquet flooring. Around 1700, a gallery was constructed within St Mary's church in Reigate specifically for Parsons’ family; this addition remained for approximately 150 years before being removed circa 1845.

Political career

Parsons secured election as a Tory Member of Parliament representing Reigate during the 1685 English general election. He became an Alderman of London for Castle Baynard ward in 1687 and received knighthood from James II at Windsor Castle on 15 August that year. He served as Sheriff of London from 1687 to 1688 and held aldermanic positions for Portsoken ward (1687–1688) and subsequently Bassetshaw (from 1688). He joined the Brewers Company in October 1688 and was appointed its Master in 1689. Though elected to the Convention Parliament of 1689, he was unseated following a petition within the same year.

Parsons reclaimed his parliamentary seat for Reigate at the 1690 English general election and again in 1695. After losing in 1698, he was returned without opposition at both elections held in 1701 despite limited backing in London where he also stood. He maintained his seat through re-election in 1702. In October 1703, Parsons transferred his membership to the Fishmongers Company and served as Lord Mayor of London from 1703 to 1704, notably waiving his official fees to assist with settling City debts.

At the 1705 English general election, Parsons contested both Reigate and the City of London but was only returned unopposed for Reigate. From 1706 to 1708, he held the position of Prime Warden of the Fishmongers Company. Parsons was re-elected at Reigate during the 1708 British general election, again in 1710, and held command as Colonel of the Red regiment within the City militia between 1710 and 1714. He continued representing Reigate with successful returns in both the elections of 1713 and 1715.

Death and legacy

Parsons passed away on 25 January 1717 and was laid to rest in Aldgate. His sons, Humphrey from his first marriage and Henry from his second, both held positions as Members of Parliament. Humphrey became the owner of Reigate Priory, maintaining possession of the property until 1741. Parsons' granddaughter Anne was wed to John Wainwright, a distinguished barrister and judge in Ireland, who succumbed to Famine fever while serving on assize in 1741.