Berkshire History for Kids: Jack of Newbury

He made lots of Cloth & lots of Money

Jack was a poor homeless boy who had run away from Winchcombe Abbey in Gloucestershire. He called himself John Winchcombe.
He managed to get a job weaving cloth in Newbury. His boss was a merchant who would take the cloth to Flanders and sell it. It was then made into clothes.
Jack was handsome and popular with the ladies.
When his boss died, he left a rich widow called Alice. She had fallen in love with Jack.
One day, she took Jack out for a walk. They went to the Litten Chapel and the lady insisted Jack marry her there!
Their marriage had its ups and downs. Once Alice locked Jack out in the street in only his night-shirt! Sadly she died after a few years, but Jack married again.
Jack was a good businessman. He set up the first factory in England. He made more cloth than ever and became extremely rich.
He was famous. People called him 'Jack of Newbury'. King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine came to visit him. The King wanted to give Jack a knighthood, but Jack said no thank you. He wanted to stay humble like his workers.
Jack raised enough money to send a band of soldiers to join the English army fighting the Scots. Unfortunately, they turned up too late for the Battle of Flodden.
Jack rebuilt St. Nicholas' Church in Newbury. His monument can be seen inside. The end of his house survives off Northbrook Street.