Thomas Gresham

Sir Thomas Gresham
Portrait of Thomas Gresham, aged approximately 41. From the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
Born	Thomas Gresham the Elder c. 1519 London, England
Died	21 November 1579(1579-11-21) (aged 59–60) London, England
Resting place	St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate, London, England
Nationality	British
Education	Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge
Occupation(s)	Merchant, financier
Known for	Founder of The Royal Exchange and Gresham College
Spouse	Anne Ferneley ​ (m. 1544)​
Parent	Sir Richard Gresham (father)

Sir Thomas Gresham the Elder (/ˈɡrɛʃəm/; c. 1519 – 21 November 1579) was an English merchant and financier who acted on behalf of King Edward VI (1547–1553) and Edward's half-sisters, queens Mary I (1553–1558) and Elizabeth I (1558–1603). In 1565 Gresham founded the Royal Exchange in the City of London.