Sir William Hodges, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir William Hodges, born around 1645, was an important English businessman and politician. He was part of the Whig party, a group with certain ideas about how the country should be run. He served in the English and British Parliament from 1705 to 1710.
His Early Life
William Hodges was the son of John Hodges, who lived in Cotherstock, Northamptonshire. His father passed away in 1665. In 1681, William married Sarah Hall. Her father, Joseph Hall, was also a merchant from London and Bengal. At that time, William lived in a place called Mincing Lane.
His Business and Political Life
Sir William Hodges became very wealthy through trading goods with Spain. He worked with other merchants like Christopher Hague and Henry Bertie in a city called Cadiz. During a time known as the Nine Years' War, he helped the government. He lent a large sum of money, about £300,000, to help pay for the English navy. This navy was led by Admiral Edward Russell.
Because of his important contributions, William Hodges was given a special title. On March 31, 1697, he became a baronet, which meant he was known as Sir William Hodges.
In 1703, he became one of the people in charge of the Bank of England. This was a very important role. In 1705, he was chosen to represent the area of Mitchell in Parliament. He was chosen again in 1708 but did not run for election in 1710.
His Final Years and What He Left Behind
Sir William Hodges passed away on July 31, 1714. He had a house in Winchester Street, near Austin Friars. He was buried on August 6 at St Katherine Coleman. His funeral was very grand, with many noblemen's coaches following the procession.
Sir William had only one son, Joseph. Joseph inherited his father's special title and became the next baronet. Lady Hodges, William's wife, passed away in 1717.
