What Was Jack O'Newbury's Real Name, Or Was That His Real Name?

Supposedly, Jack was born John Smallwood. He was born in Winchcombe in Glouchestershire. He later took 'Winchcombe' as his formal surname. His nickname suggests that he resided in Newbury, Berkshire.

Jack was set to work at the abbey in Winchcombe. However, he ran away to seek his fortune. Jack became a cloth worker in Newbury.

After the death of his master, Jack was tricked into marrying his mater's widow, and so he ended up as the proprietor of one of the largest wool manufacturing establishments in the country.

Jack is said to have set up his first factory in England. He sent troops to the battle of Flodden. King Henry VIII offered him a knighthood, which he refused.

The story of Jack O'Newbury is told by Thomas Deloney (Pleasant History of John Winchcombe), and Thomas Fuller (History of the Worthies of England), though in not as much detail.

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