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Osbornes leap
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Osbornes leap
In 1559, Sir William Hewet (Clothworker) was mayor, whose income is estimated at lb6, 000 per annum. Hewet lived on London Bridge, and one day a nurse playing with his little daughter Anne, at one of the broad lattice windows overlooking the Thames, by accident let the child fall. A young apprentice, named Osborne, seeing the accident, leaped from a window into the fierce current below the arches, and saved the infant. Years after, many great courtiers, including the Earl of Shrewsbury, came courting fair Mistress Anne, the rich citizens heiress. Sir William, her father, said to one and all, No; Osborne saved her, and Osborne shall have her. And so Osborne did, and became a rich citizen and Lord Mayor in 1583. Date: 19th century
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Media ID 20032588
© Mary Evans / Peter & Dawn Cope Collection Mary Evans / Peter & Dawn Cope Collection
1559 1583 Accident Anne Apprentice Arches Broad Citizen Citizens Courtiers Courting Current Estimated Fierce Heiress Including Income Infant Lattice Leap Lived Mayor Mistress Named Nurse Osborne Overlooking Rich Saved Shrewsbury Windows Years Clothworker Leaped
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th century print depicts the legendary tale of Osborne's Leap, which took place in 1559. Sir William Hewet, a prosperous Clothworker and the Mayor of London, with an estimated annual income of £6,000, resided on London Bridge. One fateful day, while his nurse was playing with his young daughter Anne near a broad lattice window overlooking the Thames, the child accidentally fell into the fierce current below the bridge arches. In a heroic act, an apprentice named Osborne, who was nearby, leaped from a window into the river and saved the infant from certain death. Years later, when Anne grew into a beautiful young woman, she became the object of desire for many great courtiers, including the Earl of Shrewsbury. However, Sir William, her father, remained firm in his decision. He declared that Osborne, who had saved his daughter's life, was the one deserving of her hand in marriage. And so it was, that Osborne became a rich citizen and, in 1583, the new Lord Mayor of London. This heartwarming story of heroism, loyalty, and justice continues to captivate audiences and serves as a reminder of the power of selflessness and bravery.
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