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 (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) |
| Father | Sir Richard Gresham |
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.