Edmund Shaa was born in about 1436, reputedly in Mottram-in-Longdendale, which was then in Cheshire. He was the son of John Shaa ‘of Dukinfield’ who was, it appears, a yeoman. ‘Shaa’ is the medieval version of the surname ‘Shaw’. Many of the name ‘Shaw’ can still be found in the general area of Greater Manchester and are quite possibly relatives.
Whether by his own volition or more likely that of his father, Edmund migrated in 1450 to London where he became an apprentice, probably to Robert Butler, a goldsmith. I think it fair to assume that Edmund was an apt pupil and astute businessman, as he rose from this position to be an exceptionally wealthy man.
As early as 1462 (he had only been out of apprenticeship in 1458) he was an engraver to the Mint at the Tower and in Calais. This continued until 1483. He was Sheriff of London in 1475 and a man who lent substantial sums to Edward IV.
In 1482 he was elected Lord Mayor of London and held that office at the time of Edward IV’s death and Richard III’s accession. He received a knighthood from Richard that year.
Shaa died on 20 April 1488. He left a very detailed will which included £2,000 and moveable property to his wife, Julian, and £1000 by way of dowry to his unmarried daughter, Katherine. He established a grammar school in Stockport – the town where his parents were buried in the parish church. (The grammar school still survives, albeit not in its original premises.)
Among his other bequests were gifts of clothing and cash to 200 poor persons living in Stockport. He also established a chapel which still exists at Woodhead – or as some say, Crowden. This was dedicated to St James and would have been a useful stopping place for those making what was a difficult journey over the Pennines. Perhaps it is not too fanciful to imagine that Shaa himself had made that journey in his youth?
As if this was not enough, he left money towards a tower at Mottram church.
He was buried in St Thomas of Acre, London, but had clearly not forgotten his origins.
A fanciful but useful account of his life may be found here.
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