John Freame
John Freame | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1669 Cirencester, England |
| Died | 1745 |
| Occupation(s) | Goldsmith, banker |
| Known for | Co-founder of Freame & Gould (later Barclays Bank) |
John Freame (1669–1745) was a notable English goldsmith and banker, recognized as a co-founder of Freame & Gould in 1690, which later evolved into Barclays Bank.
Early life
John was born in 1669 in Cirencester, England, as the son of Robert Freame and was baptized on 11 November. In 1683, he began an apprenticeship with Job Bolton, a Quaker goldsmith operating on Lombard Street in London.
Career
Upon completing his apprenticeship, Freame obtained his Freedom of the City on 7 April 1690, granting him the right to open a goldsmith business within the City of London. He joined forces with fellow Quaker Thomas Gould, establishing their enterprise under the name Freame & Gould, marked by the sign of three anchors. Their presence in a largely Quaker neighborhood contributed significantly to their strong reputation and clientele.
The company moved in 1728 to 54 Lombard Street, known as the ‘Sign of the Black Spread Eagle’. Such signs served as building identifiers before widespread literacy and often persisted through changes in ownership.
The Barclay family became involved in 1736 when James Barclay married Freame’s daughter and entered the partnership alongside his brother-in-law Joseph. The business remained at Lombard Street and adopted the Spread Eagle as its emblem, which was later officially recognized as the bank’s coat of arms in 1937.
In 1713, Freame authored Scripture Instruction: Digested into Several Sections by Way of Questions & Answers in Order to Promote Piety & Virtue, and Discourage Vice & Immorality, demonstrating his dedication to moral values applicable to both education and commercial practice.
Personal life
Freame married Priscilla Gould on 19 August 1697 at the Friends' Meeting held at Devonshire House, London. Priscilla was the sister of Thomas Gould, Freame’s business partner; Thomas also married Freame’s sister Hannah.
John and Priscilla had eight children, among whom were:
- Mary Freame (1700–1760), who wed Thomas Plumstead.
- Joseph Freame (1701–1766), who became involved in the family enterprise.
- Priscilla Freame (1702–1769), who was the second wife of David Barclay of Cheapside and mother to David Barclay of Youngsbury (1729–1809).
- Sarah Freame (1708–1769), who married James Barclay (1708–1766), the first member of the Barclay family associated with the bank.
Death
John Freame passed away in 1745.