Bartholomew Reade (also spelled Rede or Read; died 1505) was an English goldsmith and politician who served as Lord Mayor of London in the early 16th century. He is noted for his role in the early minting of gold sovereigns and for his civic contributions to the City of London.
Early life and family
Reade was born in Cromer, Norfolk, to Roger Reade (d. 1470) and his wife Catherine. He had at least two brothers, John and Simon. By 1486 he was already established in London, being referred to in his mother’s will as a “citizen and goldsmith of London.”
Professional career
Reade was a prominent member of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. Along with Lord Daubeney, he was commissioned in 1489 to mint the first gold sovereigns for King Henry VII, an initiative that marked a significant development in English coinage. For several years he held the office of Master of the Mint, overseeing the production of gold coinage for the Crown.
Civic offices
- Sheriff of London (1497).
- Alderman of Aldersgate ward (1499).
- Lord Mayor of London (1502–1503). During his mayoralty he used Crosby Place—acquired in 1501—as his official hall and is recorded as having hosted extravagant feasts for ambassadors of Emperor Maximilian.
Death and legacy
Bartholomew Reade died in 1505 and was interred with his wife at the Church of St John Zachary, a burial site for many of the city’s leading goldsmiths. In his will he founded a free school in his hometown of Cromer, placing its administration under the Goldsmiths’ Company. His contributions to English numismatics and municipal governance are remembered as part of the early Tudor period’s commercial and civic development.