Family and Education

s. of Richard Parsons, brewer, of St. Botolph, Aldgate. m. (1) Jane, da. of Richard Milward, London merchant, 2s. 2da.; (2) 1678, Elizabeth, da. of Humphrey Beane of Epsom, Surr., alderman of London, 1s. 6da.1 Kntd. 15 Aug. 1687.

Offices Held

Commr. of victualling 1683-90; alderman, London 1687, sheriff 1687-8, ld. mayor 1703-4; Brewers’ Co. 1688, master 1689-90, translated to Fishmongers’ Co. 1703, prime warden 1706-8.

Biography

Parsons was the owner of the Red Lion Brewery in Aldgate, famous for its porter, known as ‘Parsons’ black champagne’.2 In 1681 he bought a property, with a number of vote-carrying houses, at Reigate, which he represented with two brief intervals from 1685 till his death, 25 Jan. 1717. He also stood unsuccessfully for London in 1701 and 1705. A Tory with Jacobite leanings,3 he is not recorded as speaking or voting during the short time for which he sat under George I.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes

• 1. P. Boyd’s units, citizens of London 15796, 49881 in Lib. of Soc. of Genealogists; Brewers’ Co. records; PCC 42 Whitfield.
• 2. Beaven, Aldermen of London, ii. 196.
• 3. W. Hooper, Reigate, 119, 121.