James Bateman (banker) facts for kids
Sir James Bateman (born April 29, 1660 – died November 10, 1718) was an important English merchant and politician. He served in the House of Commons from 1711 to 1718. He also became the Lord Mayor of London and the Governor of the Bank of England.
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Early Life of Sir James Bateman
James Bateman was the son of Joas Bateman, a successful London merchant. His mother was Judith de la Barre. James was born and baptized on the same day in London.
His father was an immigrant from Flanders who became a well-known alderman in London. James continued and grew his father's trading business.
Around 1683, James lived in Alicante, Portugal. There, he worked in the wine trade. By the early 1690s, he returned to London. He had made a lot of money importing wine from Spain and Portugal. In 1691, he married Esther Searle.
Sir James Bateman's Career in Business and Politics
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Sir James Bateman became a very important person in the City of London. In 1694, he helped start the Bank of England. He became one of its first directors.
He also started to get involved in politics. In 1695, he tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Totnes, but he did not win.
In 1698, he helped create a new East India Company. On December 14, 1698, he was made a knight. This meant he could be called "Sir James."
He tried again for Parliament in 1701 but was not successful. He then focused on London city politics. He became Sheriff of London from 1701 to 1702.
He was chosen as Deputy Governor of the Bank of England from 1703 to 1705. Then, he became the Governor of the Bank of England from 1705 to 1707.
In 1705, he bought the Shobdon estate in Herefordshire. He built a new house there, but only the service block remains today.
He continued as a director of the Bank of England until 1711. In 1708, he became an alderman. He was also a member of the Loriners’ Company.
From 1709 to 1710, he was a director of the United East India Company. He was also a leader of the Fishmongers’ Company. In 1711, he became a sub-Governor of the South Sea Company and stayed in that role until he died.
Sir James Bateman tried to become an MP for London in 1710 but lost. However, in 1711, he became an MP for Ilchester. He was re-elected in 1713.
In 1715, he became an MP for East Looe. He was also elected Lord Mayor of London for 1716 to 1717.
Death and Legacy
Sir James Bateman passed away in 1718. He had four sons and three daughters. His properties in Herefordshire, Kent, and Essex were shared among his sons. His son William later became Viscount Bateman and inherited Shobdon Court.
See also
- Chief Cashier of the Bank of England
