Nathaniel Gould (1661–1728) facts for kids
Sir Nathaniel Gould (born December 3, 1661 – died July 21, 1728) was an important English businessman and politician. He was a member of the English Parliament from 1701 to 1707. After that, he served in the Parliament of Great Britain until his death in 1728.
A Life in Business
Nathaniel Gould was a successful merchant. He owned shipyards in a town called Shoreham. These were places where ships were built and repaired. He also helped rebuild the market house in Shoreham. This shows he cared about his local community.
Serving in Parliament
Gould became a Member of Parliament (MP) for New Shoreham in 1701. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the government. His first election had some issues, but he was re-elected soon after. He held this important position until May 1708.
He was elected again in 1710 and kept his seat in Parliament until he passed away in 1728. His elections sometimes faced challenges, but he always managed to keep his role.
Leading the Bank of England
Besides his political work, Sir Nathaniel Gould was also a key figure in finance. He served as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England. This is a very important bank that helps manage the country's money. Later, he became the Governor of the Bank of England from 1711 to 1713. This was around the time the South Sea Company was started, which was a big trading company. In 1721, he was honored with a knighthood, which meant he was given the title "Sir."
Family and Home
Nathaniel Gould married a woman named Frances. Her father was Sir John Hartopp, and her grandfather was Charles Fleetwood. One of their children married Thomas Cooke, who also became a Governor of the Bank of England later on.
Sir Nathaniel Gould lived in a house called Fleetwood House in Stoke Newington. He also owned property in New Shoreham. He died when he was 66 years old. He left most of his money to his nephews, John Gould and Nathaniel Gould. His descendants, through his daughter Mary, include important families like the Dukes of Manchester and the Earls of Gosford.
