User:Severn Meadows

Robert Toppes 1405 - 1467
Nothing is known of Robert Toppes' life until he was 16 years old, when he is recorded as having 'paid two marks for the freedom to trade in Norwich as a mercer or 'dealer in fine fabrics'. His was an age of great building, spirituality and commerce, in Norwich predominantly of textiles. Julian of Norwich, whose cell attached to the church of St. Julian was a short distance from what was to be Robert Toppes' great memorial, Dragon Hall, died in 1416 when Toppes was 11. St Andrews Hall was in process of being built throughout his life. St. Peter Mancroft where he was to be buried was finished in 1455.

Fifteenth century trade and politics
Robert Toppes was a successful merchant, involved in the export of fine cloth and un-dyed wool, and the import of fabrics, ceramics, metalwork, wines and spices. He was a partner in several boats plying between Yarmouth and the continent. For the home trade he dealt in local staples: blanched herrings, salt and barley. To store and display all these commodities he required large premises, the building known today as the Dragon Hall on King Street, Norwich

Toppes held the positions of Treasurer, Sheriff, Alderman of St. Giles' ward, and was four times Mayor of Norwich in 1435, 1440, 1452 and 1458. He was also four times Burgess (the contemporary equivalent of an MP) in Parliament.

The Paston Letters
Toppes married twice, and had seven children. He is mentioned in the Paston Letters (1451), a rich source of information for Norfolk life in the Middle Ages. The Pastons mention dining with Robert Toppes, and the violence of the period Toppes lived in is amply illustrated.

St Peter Mancroft and the Guildhall
He lived in the Guildhall area of Norwich, near his parish church St. Peter Mancroft. He and his family are depicted in a stained glass panel in the east window, part of a larger window dating from 1455 when the church was re-built.

Toppes left bequests to every church in Norwich. He is buried in St. John the Baptist's chapel, St. Peter Mancroft, though the exact location of his tomb is now unknown. His will directed that the Dragon Hall was to be sold, and the money used to pay for two priests to celebrate masses for his soul.