George Heathcote facts for kids

George Heathcote was an important English businessman and a kind person who helped others. He was also a politician who served in the British Parliament for many years. In 1742, he became the Lord Mayor of London, which is a very important job.

George Heathcote's Early Life

George Heathcote was born in Jamaica in 1700. His father, Josiah Heathcote, was a merchant who traded goods from the West Indies. George came from an important family. His uncle, Sir Gilbert Heathcote, was the head of the Bank of England. Another uncle, Caleb Heathcote, was the Mayor of New York City. George studied at Clare College, Cambridge. He also trained to be a lawyer at the Middle Temple in London.

His Business Career

George Heathcote was a successful businessman. From 1730 to 1733, he was a director of the South Sea Company. This was a large trading company. In 1737, he became the Master of the Salters' Company. This was a group for people involved in the salt trade. In 1729, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special group for important scientists and thinkers.

George Heathcote's Political Journey

George Heathcote was a politician for many years. From 1727 to 1734, he was a Member of Parliament for Hindon. Then, from 1734 to 1741, he represented Southwark.

He also held important jobs in the City of London. He was an Alderman for the Walbrook area from 1739 to 1749. In 1740, he became a Sheriff of the City of London. This role helped keep law and order. In 1742, he was elected Lord Mayor of London. From 1741 to 1747, he was the Member of Parliament for the City of London.

Heathcote was part of the Tory party. He did not agree with the government led by Robert Walpole. He also supported the House of Stuart, a royal family that had been removed from the throne.

Helping Others: Philanthropic Work

George Heathcote was very involved in helping people. He was a member of a group called the Associates of the Late Dr. Thomas Bray. This group worked to help those in need. After Dr. Bray passed away, the group wanted to create a new place for people who owed money.

In 1732, the group received a special permission from the King. This allowed them to create the Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia in America. This was a new colony in America. Heathcote helped plan this new colony with James Oglethorpe. He also managed the money for the Trustees.

George Heathcote was a member of a group called the Masonic Lodge. When he passed away in 1768 at age 67, he was known as one of the wealthiest people in England who was not a noble. He was married to Maria Eyles. They had two sons and two daughters.