Claude Fonnereau facts for kids
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Claude Fonnereau was an important French merchant who moved to England. He was born in La Rochelle, France, on March 22, 1677. He passed away in Hoddesdon, England, on April 5, 1740. Claude was a Huguenot, which means he was a French Protestant who had to leave France because of his religion.
After settling in England, Claude Fonnereau became a very successful merchant. He is known as the person who started the Fonnereau family in England. In 1735, he bought a large house called Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich, Suffolk. This house was purchased from Price Devereux, 10th Viscount Hereford. Claude Fonnereau was also a Director of the Bank of England from 1738 until his death in 1740.
Family Life and Legacy
Claude Fonnereau was the son of Zacharie Fonnereau and Marguerite Chataigner. He married Elizabeth Bureau, who was also a Huguenot. Together, they had many children.
Some of their notable children include:
- Thomas Fonnereau (1699–1779): He was a merchant and a politician. Thomas inherited his father's properties, including Christchurch Mansion.
- Dr. Claude (or Claudius) Fonnereau (1701–1785): He inherited Christchurch Mansion after his older brother Thomas passed away.
- Elizabeth Frances Fonnereau (born 1702): She married James (Jacques) Benezet. His family was also Huguenot and had settled in London.
- Anne Fonnereau (born 1704): She married Philip Champion de Crespigny. His family was also Huguenot and lived in Camberwell. Their son became Sir Claude Champion de Crespigny, 1st Baronet.
- Zachary Philip Fonnereau (1706–1778): He was a merchant and a politician. He was the father of Philip Fonnereau and Martyn Fonnereau.
- Marie Anne (born 1711): She married John Martyn, who was a botanist.
Claude Fonnereau's family continued to be important in English society. His children and grandchildren became merchants, politicians, and landowners.
