Sir Charles Asgill, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Charles Asgill, 1st Baronet
Portrait of Asgill c.1760
Born	(1714-03-17)17 March 1714
Died	15 September 1788(1788-09-15) (aged 74)
Nationality	English
Alma mater	Westminster School
Occupation	Banker and politician
Political party	Whig
Spouse(s)	(1st) Hannah Vanderstegen (2nd) Sarah Theresa Pratviel
Relatives	John Asgill, 1659–1738, (known as "Translated" Asgill) was a relative, both being descendants of Joshua Asgyll MA, DD
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Sir Charles Asgill, 1st Baronet (born March 17, 1714 – died September 15, 1788) was an important English banker and politician. He was the third son of Henry Asgill, a silk merchant. Charles went to Westminster School, a famous school in London.

Asgill's Banking Business

Charles Asgill started his career as an apprentice at a bank called William Pepys & Co. An apprentice is someone who learns a skill or trade by working for an expert. Later, in 1740, he became a partner in a banking firm called Vere and Asgill. Their bank was located on Lombard Street in the City of London, which was a busy financial area.

In the early 1700s, most private banks operated out of people's homes. But Asgill's bank, built in 1757 at 70 Lombard Street, was special. It was the very first building in London designed specifically to be a bank! This building was created by a famous architect named Sir Robert Taylor. It became a model for how other banks would be built later on.

Asgill's bank had a long history. It started as a goldsmith business around 1730. When one of the partners died, Charles Asgill joined, and the bank became Vere & Asgill. Over the years, the bank's name changed a few times as different partners joined or left. After Asgill passed away in 1788, the bank continued for a few more years under the Nightingale family. However, it closed down in 1796 due to financial difficulties.

Public Service and Roles

Sir Charles Asgill was very active in London's government and community. He held several important positions:

• He was an Alderman for Candlewick Ward from 1749 to 1771. An Alderman was a senior member of the city council.
• He was the Master of the Skinners Company in 1749. This was a powerful trade group.
• He also served as a Governor of Bridewell Royal Hospital from 1743 to 1750.
• In 1753, he became the Sheriff of the City of London. The Sheriff helped manage the city's legal and financial matters.
• His most important role was Lord Mayor of London from 1757 to 1758. The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London's government.

Asgill was known for not agreeing with the war in America. Because of his views, an American sculptor named Patience Wright, who lived in London, thought he could help influence important people.

In 1761, King George III made Charles Asgill a Baronet. This is a special honor that gives someone the title "Sir" and passes down through their family.

Buildings and Designs by Robert Taylor

Sir Robert Taylor, the architect who designed Asgill's bank, also created other amazing things for him.

• Taylor designed Asgill House for Asgill. This beautiful house was a weekend and holiday home located near Richmond Palace. Asgill's main home in London was in Portman Square.
• Taylor also designed the famous Lord Mayor of London's State Coach. This grand coach was built for Asgill's inauguration as Lord Mayor in 1757. It is still used today for important events like a coronation and the annual Lord Mayor's Show.

Asgill's home in Portman Square was very beautiful. It was sold in 1812 for a large sum of money. People said it was one of the prettiest houses Taylor ever built, besides Asgill House.

Asgill also lived at 15 St James's Square for a few years. This building was later replaced, but the new building has apartments named after its past owners, including "Asgill."

Family Life

Sir Charles Asgill was married twice. His first wife was Hannah Vanderstegen, whom he married in 1752. After she passed away in 1754, he married Sarah Theresa Pratviel in 1755.

People described Asgill as a very honest and open-minded person. He was a strong supporter of the Whig political party. He was very upset about how the King and government treated the American Colonies. It was even said that he turned down an offer to become a peer (a very high noble title) because he didn't want to change his views.

His second wife, Sarah, was the daughter of a wealthy French family who had moved to England. She was full of energy and charm and shared her husband's interest in helping others and his political ideas. They were friends with many important Whig politicians and writers of their time.

Death and Legacy

Sir Charles Asgill died on September 15, 1788. He was buried in London. An article written after his death said that he showed what a person with good honesty, hard work, and a good reputation could achieve, even if they weren't super brilliant.

His only son, also named Sir Charles Asgill, 2nd Baronet, inherited his title. He became an officer in the British Army. Sir Charles and Sarah also had five daughters. Two of them, Amelia Angelina Colvile and Caroline Augusta Legge, were still alive when their mother died in 1816. Sarah, his wife, was a strong supporter of their son during the Asgill Affair in 1782, when he was a prisoner of war during the American Revolutionary War.

A dance tune called "Asgill's Rant" was created around the time of a financial crisis in Britain in the 1770s. This crisis led to new laws for the colonies, which then became one of the reasons for the American Revolutionary War.

Images for kids

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  Asgill's bank building at 70 Lombard Street, London

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  The Lord Mayor’s state coach, commissioned by Asgill in 1757

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  Asgill House, Asgill's Richmond Upon Thames home

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  Portman Square, location of Asgill's London home

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  Asgill's daughter, Amelia Angelina Colvile