Richard Lyons (Warden of the Mint) Richard Lyons (Warden of the Mint) Sir Richard Lyons (1310 - 1381) was a prosperous City of London merchant, financier, and property developer, who held a monopoly on the sale of sweet wine in London, during the 14th century. He was a Privy Counsellor, an Alderman of the City, a member of the Worshipful Company of Vintners and served as both as Sheriff of London and MP for Essex. Lyons was a lifelong friend of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Lyons was killed by Wat Tyler during the Peasants' Revolt. Sir Richard was the most famous member of the Lyons family
Samuel Birch (Lord Mayor of London) Samuel Birch (Lord Mayor of London) Samuel Birch (1757–1841) was Lord Mayor of London, England. Birch began his career as a pastrycook, and was known also as a dramatist. He was the son of Lucas Birch, who carried on the business of a pastrycook and confectioner at 16 Cornhill. This shop, though the upper portion of the house had been rebuilt, still (1885) retains its old-fashioned front, and is probably the oldest shop of the kind in the city. The business was established in the reign of George I by a Mr. Horton, the immediate predecessor of Lucas Birch. Samuel