John Mortlock
John Mortlock | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1755 |
| Died | 1816 |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, parliamentarian, mayor |
| Years active | 1777–1816 |
| Known for | Founder of the first banking institution in Cambridge; thirteen-time mayor of Cambridge; Member of Parliament for Cambridge |
John Mortlock (1755–1816) was a prominent British banker, parliamentarian, and served as mayor of Cambridge on thirteen occasions.
Biography
As the sole heir of John Mortlock, a successful woollen draper based in Cambridge, Mortlock inherited the family enterprise in 1777. The family residence was Abington Hall, situated in Abington Magna, close to Cambridge.
In 1778, Mortlock acquired the Freedom of Cambridge for £40. Two years later, in 1780, he established the first banking institution in Cambridge, originally operating from Rose Crescent before relocating to Bene't Street. The Mortlock banking firm remained under family management for more than one hundred years until it merged with Barclays & Co in 1896. A blue plaque honoring Mortlock is displayed on the former Barclays Bank premises on Bene't Street. He was appointed alderman in 1782, subsequently became mayor, and in 1784 secured election as Member of Parliament for Cambridge.
A close supporter of Pitt the Younger, Mortlock was accused by opponents of engaging in corrupt practices; however, he justified his exertion of influence as essential to garner governmental backing: "without influence, which you call corruption, men will not be induced to support government, though they generally approve of its measures."
In 1792, he took on the position of Receiver General of the Post Office, a profitable appointment he maintained until 1806.
Mortlock passed away in 1816. He was married to Elizabeth Harrison, daughter of grocer Stephen Harrison, and together they had eight sons and two daughters. Their son John Cheetham Mortlock received a knighthood. His grandsons John Frederick Mortlock and Frederick William Mortlock developed careers connected to Australia and customs administration in Jamaica respectively.
References
External links
- John Mortlock (1755 - 1816) at Cambridge Past, Present & Future, September 2011
- The Banking Mortlocks by R.J.H. Griffiths, 2011