Charlotte Matthews
Charlotte Matthews | |
|---|---|
| Born | Charlotte Marlar 1759 London, England |
| Died | 1802-01-09 |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, financier |
| Known for | Business partner to Boulton and Watt, affiliated member of Lloyd's of London |
Charlotte Matthews (née Charlotte Marlar; 1759 – 9 January 1802) was a prominent British entrepreneur, financier, and an affiliated member of Lloyd's of London. She played an instrumental role as a business partner to Boulton and Watt.
Life
Charlotte was born in London to John Marlar, a merchant and banker. In 1776, she wed William Matthews. Upon the passing of her father in 1791 and her spouse in 1792, she assumed control of her late husband's commercial ventures. During this period, she developed expertise managing prominent clients including Matthew Boulton and James Watt. Having succeeded her husband’s membership, she herself joined Lloyd's of London, thereby strengthening her involvement in banking activities, bill discounting, and insurance services.
Matthews maintained frequent communication with Boulton, providing critical support for their business endeavors through unsecured lending and reliable financial transactions. She inherited two clerks along with a counting house and subsequently moved her office to Fenchurch Street to concentrate on business growth. Her contribution was vital to the success of Boulton and Watt’s enterprise, as she managed financial flows, offered counsel regarding prospective partners, and kept track of market developments.
The importance of her role is underscored by Boulton’s production of copper coinage, which was distributed via their mint as well as through Matthews’ London office.
Death and legacy
Charlotte Matthews passed away in 1802 at the age of 43 following a short illness. She was interred on 16 January at Croydon Minster. Her estate, valued at £5,000, was bequeathed to her nieces, nephews, and sisters. Her remains were subsequently moved. After her death, management of the enterprise transitioned to the Watt and Boulton families under the firm name M. and R. Boulton, J. and G. Watt, and Company, with ownership divided as two-thirds by the Boultons and one-third by the Watts. Her former home, Croydon Lodge, was acquired by Thomas Bainbridge (1749–1830).