Forty Hall was built at the edge of London, a horse ride from the city, by Sir Nicholas Rainton 1629-1632.

Records show that Nicholas Rainton was the third son of Robert Rainton of Heighington, Lincolnshire and that he was baptised in the parish of Washborough on 10 June 1569.

On 16 November 1602, Nicholas married Rebecca Moulson at Sir Christopher le Stock Church in London. Rebecca was the sister of Sir Thomas Moulson who became Lord Mayor of London two years after her husband, Nicholas.

Nicholas and Rebecca had no children. Nicholas established himself as a haberdasher. He owned business premises on Lombard Street in the centre of London. As a Haberdasher, Nicholas was also allowed to trade textiles. He amassed considerable wealth trading in sumptuous materials included satin and taffeta from Florence, taffeta and sarsnets from Lucca, satins from Bologna and velvets and damasks from Genoa.

In 1634 he moved his business premises to Cornhill, the very hub of the thriving commercial centre of London. As a successful haberdasher he became a member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. He served as master of the Company in 1622-23 and again in 1632 to 1633. As well as being a successful merchant, Nicholas played an active role in public life and became an important figure in the City of London.

On the 2 June 1621 he was elected Alderman of the City of London for the Aldgate ward. Aldermen were head men of their wards and independently possessed great personal power. In a war they organised the defence of London and in peace they administered justice for its citizens, sitting as the Court Aldermen.

In 1632 Nicholas Rainton was elected Lord Mayor of London. This position was elected annually from the Aldermen of the City.

Sir Nicholas died at Forty Hall at 1646. He is buried with his wife and his heir Nicholas, in the family tomb at St Andrew's Church, adjacent to the Market Square in Enfield Town. In his will Sir Nicholas left money to St Bartholomew's hospital, an annuity for apprentices from Enfield. He bequeathed his estate, including Forty Hall, to his great-nephew Nicholas.

Visit Forty Hall & Estate to view our permanent exhibition telling the life and times of Sir Nicholas or book on to one of our tours to find out more! Explore Sir Nicholas's Forty Hall on our website here...