Chetham was born in
Crumpsall,
Lancashire,
England, the son of Henry Chetham, a successful
Manchester merchant who lived in
Crumpsall Hall and his wife, Jane (c.1542–1616), the daughter of Robert Wroe of Heaton. and in 1597 was
apprenticed to Samuel Tipping, a Manchester linen draper. In 1605, he moved to London with his brother George and set up a partnership with him trading in various textiles. The business was successful, since the fabric was bought in London and sold for a higher price in Manchester. He acquired
Clayton Hall in Manchester as his home, and in 1628 was also able to buy
Turton Tower from William Orrell. In 1631, he was asked to be knighted after his huge wealth became known to
the Crown, but he declined the honour, and so was fined. In 1635, he became the
High Sheriff of Lancashire , a job he was unable to refuse, and in 1643 he was forced into the position of General Treasurer of Lancashire, which he found very difficult for his age. He also began to obtain debts, and he feared that on his death parliament would take his money. He therefore donated money to form a
blue coat school for forty poor boys, which later became Chetham's Hospital and then
Chetham's School of Music. He also left money to establish Chetham's Library, including funds to pay for books. More libraries were constructed later on from this money. Chetham died on 20 September 1653, aged 72. He was buried in the Collegiate Church of Manchester, now
Manchester Cathedral. ==Legacy==