Background
He was born circa 1310 in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire and inherited land there from his father, which he added to during his lifetime.
He was born circa 1310 in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire and inherited land there from his father, which he added to during his lifetime.
In 1353 he purchased the manor of Irthlingborough from Sir Simon de Drayton. He became a merchant in London, served as an Alderman of Castle Baynard ward and a Sheriff of London in 1369 and was then elected Mayor of London in 1372. In 1375 he obtained a royal licence to found the college of Saint Peter, Irthlingborough, a college for six secular canons — one of whom should be dean — and four clerks, but died before his intention was actually carried out.
He died in 1382.
A memorial to him can be found in the John Pyel Chapel of Saint Peters Church, Irthlingborough on the south side of the main altar.