Henry Picard (Lord Mayor)

Henry Picard was a prominent London vintner and Lord Mayor of London in the 14th century. He held the office during the reign of King Edward III. Picard is particularly remembered for hosting a lavish and extravagant feast in 1356, after the Battle of Poitiers, to which he invited the King of England, the captured King John II of France, the King of Scotland, and many nobles and dignitaries. This event helped solidify his reputation as a wealthy and generous figure in London society. Accounts suggest that Picard bore the expense of the feast himself, showcasing his immense personal fortune. Beyond the feast, limited biographical details are readily available concerning his specific contributions to the governance of London or his activities in the vintner trade. Historical records pertaining to his mayoralty and other civic duties are fragmented.