George Thorold facts for kids

Sir George Thorold (born around 1666, died 1722) was an important English merchant. He lived in London and also had an estate in Harmston, Lincolnshire. He held big jobs like Lord Mayor of London and a Director at the Bank of England.

Early Life and Business

George Thorold was born around 1666. He was the fourth son of Charles Thorold. His father owned an ironmonger's business in London. George followed in his father's footsteps and also became an ironmonger.

Rise in London Politics

Sir George became an important person in the City of London. On May 3, 1709, he was chosen as an Alderman for Cordwainer Ward. An Alderman is a senior member of the city council. He took over this role from his older brother, Charles Thorold. His brother had been the Sheriff of London a few years earlier, from 1705 to 1706.

Becoming a Baronet

On September 9, 1709, Sir George was given a special honor. He was made a baronet in the Baronetage of Great Britain. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. His baronetcy had a special rule: if he didn't have any sons, the title would pass to his younger brother, Samuel.

Sir George Thorold served as the Sheriff of London from 1710 to 1711. Later, he became the Lord Mayor of London from 1719 to 1720. This was a very important position. The famous writer Alexander Pope described Sir George's procession as Lord Mayor:

'Twas on the day when Thorold, rich and grave

Like Caesar, triumphed both on land and wave.

This poem means that Sir George was very successful and celebrated, like a Roman emperor.

Role at the Bank of England

Besides his political roles, Sir George Thorold was also a Director of the Bank of England. He served on the board from 1711 to 1716, and again from 1717 to 1721. This shows he was a trusted and influential person in the world of money and finance.

Family and Legacy

In 1713, Sir George married Elizabeth Rushout. She was the daughter of Sir James Rushout, 1st Baronet. Sir George died on October 29, 1722, in Bloomsbury Square, London. He was 56 years old. He did not have any children who lived.

Because he had no surviving children, his younger brother, Samuel, inherited the baronetcy. Samuel became Sir Samuel Thorold, the 2nd Baronet. Sir George was buried at Harmston on November 11, 1722.

After Sir George's death, his widow, Elizabeth, married again. She married George Compton, 4th Earl of Northampton. Sir Samuel Thorold, the 2nd Baronet, was also important. He served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire from 1724 to 1725. He died on January 1, 1738, without marrying or having children. He was also buried at Harmston.

Sir Samuel left the family estate at Harmston to a distant cousin named Nathaniel Thorold. King George II then gave Nathaniel a new baronetcy on March 24, 1741.