John Ward (banker) facts for kids

Sir John Ward (around 1650–1726) was an important British businessman, banker, and politician. He lived in Epsom, Surrey, and London. Sir John was a member of the House of Commons for many years, from 1701 to 1726. He was also one of the first leaders of the Bank of England and served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1718.

Early Life and Family

John Ward was born around 1650. His father, also named John Ward, worked for the customs office. His mother was Elizabeth Vincent. Sir John Ward's uncle, Sir Patience Ward, was also a Lord Mayor of London in 1680.

In 1684, Sir John Ward married Mary Bucknell. Her father was Sir William Bucknall. In 1700, with help from his father-in-law, Sir John bought a large property called Hookfield Park in Epsom.

Banking and Business Career

Sir John Ward was a very important figure in the early days of the Bank of England. He was one of its first directors when it started in 1694. He served as a director until 1699.

After that, he became the Deputy Governor from 1699 to 1701. Then, he was chosen as the Governor from 1701 to 1703. After his time as Governor, he continued to be a director of the Bank of England until he passed away.

Sir John Ward was also a director for the East India Company. This was a powerful trading company. He worked for them from 1703 to 1707 and again from 1709 to 1711.

Political Life and Public Service

Sir John Ward began his political career as a Member of Parliament (MP). He was first elected without anyone running against him for Bletchingley in 1701. He had support from his friend, Sir Robert Clayton.

He was re-elected for Bletchingley in 1701, 1702, and 1705. In the 1708 British general election, he was elected as an MP for the City of London.

In 1709, he became a member of the Merchant Taylors’ Company. This was an important trade guild in London. He was also its master from 1709 to 1710. That same year, he became an alderman for the Candlewick ward in London.

Sir John Ward was not successful in the elections of 1710 and 1713. However, he was knighted on September 25, 1714, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

He was elected as an MP for the City of London again in the 1715 British general election. He served as Sheriff of London from 1715 to 1716. Then, he was elected Lord Mayor of London for the year 1718 to 1719.

He did not run in the 1722 election. But he was elected again as an MP for Dunwich in a special election on December 7, 1722.

Politically, Sir John Ward was usually seen as a Whig. Whigs were a political group at the time. However, he often made his own decisions and didn't always follow the government. Sometimes, he even had support from the Tories, another political group. Towards the end of his life, he worked more closely with the government.

Later Life

Sir John Ward passed away in March 1726. He left behind a son, John, and ten daughters.

See also

• Chief Cashier of the Bank of England