Andrew (Awbrey) Aubrey

Ancestors

Died about 1356 in London, England

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Stuart Awbrey [send private message]

Biography

Andrew (Awbrey) Aubrey was born in Wales.

Andrew was an English merchant and politician who served three terms as Lord Mayor of London during the reign of Edward III. ^[1]

Andrew Aubrey married a daughter of Robert le Bret, a London goldsmith who served as alderman in the 1330s. One of his children, John Aubrey, married Maud (Matilda) Fraunceys, daughter of Adam Fraunceys, who was Lord Mayor ten years after Andrew Aubrey. ^[1]

He became a pepper factor and a member of the Guild of Pepperers, later the Worshipful Company of Grocers. Aubrey was elected one of the Sheriffs of London in 1331, served as an alderman from 1333 to 1355, and was elected mayor in 1339, 1340, and 1351. As alderman, he first represented Bread Street Ward, but in 1345 he removed to Cordwainer, where he served until his resignation in 1355. He was elected Member of Parliament for the City of London, as one of the two aldermani representatives, in 1338 and 1340. ^[1]

In 1339, while he was charged with keeping the peace during the king's absence abroad, Aubrey put down a riot that had broken out due to conflict between the fishmongers and skinners. During the tumult, one of the ringleaders wounded one of the mayor's officers, while another seized Aubrey himself and threatened him with a sword. Aubrey had both men, along with five other rioters, beheaded without trial and their heads mounted on London Bridge. Not only was Aubrey not punished for his actions, he was congratulated by the king, on the grounds that an assault on the king's officers was the same as an assault on the king's own person. ^{[1] [2]} A more detailed account is at ^[3]

He is listed as one of the “Fathers Of The City” a title attained in more than one way. Andrew was accorded the title because he had been a Lord Mayor prior to becoming an Alderman.^[4]

Andrew is among those listed as a Member of Parliament for London, 1338 & 1340.^[5]

In 1340, Edward III came under much stress due to the war with France and being hounded by his creditors. He returned to England began terrorizing leaders in many parts of the government. Andrew, then Lord Mayor of London along with Sir John St. Paul, keeper of the privy seal, Sir John Stonore, chief justice, bishop of Chichester, chancellor, and the bishop of Lichfield, treasurer were displaced and imprisoned. Their outcomes is not known, but Andrew again was elected Lord Mayor in 1351 still under Edward III.^[6]

Andrew died c. 1356. ^[1]

Research Notes

A descendant of the Welsh Awbreys, who lives in England, has spent 40+ years researching the Awbrey family. His research discovered a Walter Awbrey of Brecknockshire, Wales (c1288) who had sons Thomas and Roger and their cousin Andrew, mayor of London. That information led to this profile.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5} Wikipedia - Andrew Aubrey
2. ↑ The Citizen’s Pocket Chronicle: Containing A Digested View of the History, Antiquity, and Temporal Government of the City of London
3. ↑ An Antiquarian Ramble in the Streets of London with Anecdotes of Their More Celebrated Residents
4. ↑ Fathers Of The City
5. ↑ British History Online – Alderman in Parliament
6. ↑ The History of England, Vol 2 by David Hume

Other Resources

Several letters sent by Andrew Aubrey, Mayor and Alderman of London to Others (at the link, search for Andrew Aubrey) - Calendar of Letters From The Mayor & Corporation of The City of London A.D. 1350-1370