Publisher's Synopsis
Sir Thomas Gresham was an English Merchant and Financier who acted on behalf of King Edward VI (1547 - 1553) and EdwardÕs half-sisters, Queens Mary I (1553 - 1558) and Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603). After the accession of Elizabeth I to the throne, he spent most of his time in London when he wasnÕt traveling on diplomatic and financial missions for the Queen. He accumulated a great private fortune as a banker, mercer, and merchant. Sir Thomas Gresham was the founder of the Royal Exchange, and he endowed Gresham College in London, both of which still exist today. By applying his knowledge and principals to EnglandÕs financial empire, he restored the debased currency of England and thereby reduced or in some cases eliminated the CrownÕs debts. The now well-known financial principal called ÒGresham's LawÓ gets its name from him, which states: ÒBad money drives out goodÓ.
