Family and Education

m. wid. of Richard Leach, 1 or 2s.

Offices Held

Alderman, King’s Lynn 1585, mayor 1586-7, 1594-5.

Biography

Two Thomas Bostons, both merchants, were admitted to the freedom of King’s Lynn between 1571 and 1576. It has been asumed that the one whose particulars appear above was the 1589 MP. The two burgesses for King’s Lynn were appointed to committees concerning Hartlepool pier (28 Feb.) and salted fish (11 Mar.). They were paid 3s.4d. a day parliamentary wages. It appears that, as mayor, Boston was at odds with the officials of the Admiralty. He threatened to commit to prison one Silvester Towers for showing Admiralty warrants in the town, and other Admiralty officials complained about his high-handed attitude. Boston died between August 1595 and the end of 1597.

King’s Lynn congregation bk. passim; Lynn Freemen, 109-13, 127; Lansd. 143, f. 70; D’Ewes, 440, 445.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: J.C.H.

Notes