Anne Hewett

Anne is most remembered for a story of how her nursemaid dropped her out of a window at the family's home on London Bridge when she was an infant. Anne was rescued from the Thames River by her father's apprentice, Edward Osborne. Their story was printed in 1720 in John Strype's ‘A Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster.’ According to the tale When Anne grew up she had many suitors but her father wanted her to marry Edward. The often quoted line from the book was. "Sir William was pleased to say, Osborn saved her, and Osborn should enjoy her." The story was again adapted in 1852 for the popular Victorian novel, 'The Colloquies of Edward Osborne' by Anne Manning. Paintings of Edward's rescue are preserved at the Clothworker's Hall and at Hornby Castle in Yorkshire. To whatever degree the story is true, it is known that William Hewett set Edward Osborne on a very successful path and that Edward and Anne did marry in 1562 and had five children.

William Hewett died in January 1567. Edward and Anne acted as joint executor's of his estate, and Edward assumed many of his father-in-law's business interests. Edward and Anne also inherited his mansion in Philpot Lane, and many of his other properties. Anne purchased an estate in Barking, Essex, and lands in Wales and Harthill in Yorkshire.

Edward became successful in business and trade as a clothworker. He served on the board of a hospital and held many elected offices including Lord Mayor of London in 1583.

Anne died in 1585 and her burial was recorded at St. Martin Orgars on July 14th. Edward died in early 1592 and was buried at St. Dionis Backchurch. In 1666 both churches were destroyed by the Great Fire of London.