Last Updated : 30 Aug 2008

Thomas Clayton was a principal merchant of Liverpool during the time of Charles II.

In 1737, Lord Derby sold the Tower of Liverpool to William Clayton from whom the corporation first rented it, and later bought it. Clayton was a Member of Parliament for Liverpool. His daughter, Sarah Clayton planned the original Clayton Square around 1745. William Clayton had also been a local tobacco merchant and had lived on the site of the square. During the 18th century, Clayton Square was used for all public demonstrations.