Richard Platt (brewer)
Richard Platt | |
|---|---|
| Born | circa 1525 Aldenham, Hertfordshire, England |
| Died | 1600-11-28 |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, school founder, civic official |
| Known for | Founder of Aldenham School and almshouses; Sheriff of London |
Richard Platt (circa 1525 – 28 November 1600) was a notable English brewer based in the City of London. He held the office of Sheriff of London and was the founder of both Aldenham School and charitable almshouses in his native village of Hertfordshire.
Life
The son of Hugh Platt from Aldenham, Richard Platt began his career as an apprentice to a London brewer before becoming a master brewer within the Worshipful Company of Brewers. He owned the Old Swan brewery located on James Street in London and was appointed Master of the Brewers' Company twice, in 1576 and again in 1581. Additionally, he served as an Alderman and held the position of Sheriff in London.
In 1591, while residing in London, Platt took on the role of governor at Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, situated at Tudor Hall.
In 1596, Queen Elizabeth I granted him letters patent authorizing the establishment of a "Free Grammar School and Almshouses" in Aldenham. The foundation stone for this institution was set at Boyden's Hill in 1597. By 1599, Platt had endowed the grammar school along with six almshouses through land donations in Aldenham and additional pasture and woodland holdings in St Pancras. These endowments were entrusted to the stewardship of the Brewers' Company.
Platt’s son Hugh attended St John's College, Cambridge, and Richard Platt arranged that candidates for the Mastership of the grammar school would be selected from three Masters of Arts nominated by that college, with final appointment made by the Brewers' Company. He also provided a residence featuring a garden and orchard for the Master, along with an annual salary of £20.
Richard Platt passed away on 28 November 1600 and was interred at St James Garlickhythe, London.
His will included a provision requiring the Brewers’ Company to supply beer money to students attending his grammar school due to concerns about unsafe drinking water. To this day, pupils at Aldenham School continue the tradition of visiting Brewers' Hall annually to receive £5 each.
Wife and descendants
Platt was married to Alice, daughter of John Birchells from Birchells, Leicestershire. Their offspring included Sir Hugh Platt, an author who resided at Kirby Castle in Bethnal Green. Another son, William Platt (died 1637) from Highgate, established fellowships at St John's College, Cambridge.
Arms
The heraldic arms borne by Platt were described as "or fretty sable plattée", featuring a crest depicting "a demi-lion rampant proper holding in the paws a plate".
External links
- Aldenham Richard Platt, hertsmemories.org.uk