thomas white was born in reading, berkshire. he was the son of william white, a clothier of reading, and his wife, mary, daughter of henry kibblewhite. at age 12 he became an apprentice to a london merchant. in time he became a prosperous clothier. in 1546 he served as of london. in 1553 he was lord mayor of london. thomas white became sir thomas white when he was knighted by queen mary ii of england the same year. sir thomas founded st john's college, oxford in 1555. he died on 12 february 1567 at oxford university. sir thomas was buried in the chapel of st. john's college, oxford.