John Smith (banker)

John Smith
Born	Template:Birth date Aberdeen, Scotland
Died	September 23, 1866(1866-09-23) (aged 69)
Occupation(s)	Financier, benefactor
Known for	Managing Beckett's Bank; philanthropy in Aberdeen and Leeds

John Smith (29 August 1797 – 23 September 1866) was a Scottish financier and benefactor. Originating from Aberdeen, he dedicated the majority of his professional life to overseeing operations at Beckett's Bank in Leeds, England. Upon retirement, he settled in Harrogate.

Smith generously contributed to various charitable causes, supporting the establishment of churches, educational institutions, and community initiatives in both Aberdeen and Leeds. Among his notable contributions was funding a bell for the Kirk of St Nicholas in Aberdeen. He also played a major role in financing the erection of St Matthias' Church, Burley, including its associated vicarage and school. Actively engaged in the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, he additionally fulfilled duties as a Justice of the Peace. His enduring legacy features the Harrogate residence "Belvedere", constructed by Richard Ellis with designs by Perkin and Backhouse, alongside a distinguished stone monument marking his burial site at Grove Road Cemetery.

Background

Smith was born on 29 August 1797 in Aberdeen, Scotland, as the youngest among four brothers. His parents were Alexander Smith and Margaret Smith née Howie, both originally from Banffshire.

On 21 December 1822, Smith married Ann Catherine Jane Metcalfe from Middlesex at St Leonard's, Shoreditch. Their firstborn son was John Metcalfe Smith (b. 1829), who pursued a career in banking. Other children included George Alderson Smith, who later became a manufacturer in Bradford; Reverend William Alexander Smith M.A., minister at St Mary's Chapel in Aberdeen; and daughters Catherine "Clara" Ann Smith and Fanny Beckett Smith. Among his grandchildren were Reginald Metcalfe Smith and Mabel Smith.

Throughout his life, Smith resided at Burley House in Burley, Leeds as well as Belvedere on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate. The 1841 census lists him residing at Hyde Terrace, Leeds with his wife and two sons; by 1851 the family had relocated to Burley House with additional children and household staff. His first wife passed away in 1854.

Smith remarried on 27 March 1856 at St Mary the Less, Durham, to Mary Anne Frances Hopper from Chelmsford. She was the daughter of Walter Carles Hopper, a prosperous landowner from Belmont, County Durham. The ceremony was conducted by her brother Rev. Augustus Hopper, honorary canon of Norwich. According to the 1861 census, Smith lived at Burley Lane with Mary Anne Frances; despite suffering from illness, he identified himself as a banker and magistrate. At that time, his son William was enrolled at Caius College, Cambridge.

Aberdeen and London

Smith began his professional journey as an apprentice at the Old Aberdeen Savings Bank. Subsequently, he spent several years employed by a large mercantile firm in London. In 1825, he took up the role of teller at the newly founded Town and County Bank in Aberdeen; notably, as late as 1866, the Banffshire Journal reported that banknotes issued remained payable to him or bearer. His reputation for business expertise and integrity was well established. Between 1830 and 1835, he held the position of secretary for the Glasgow Union Bank, a significant administrative appointment.

Leeds

In 1835, Smith assumed the role of inaugural manager for the Leeds Banking Company (LBC), serving approximately five to six years. When William Beckett of Beckett & Co.—also known as Leeds Old Bank—was elected Member of Parliament in 1841, Smith was invited to become a partner alongside William and Christopher Beckett due to his outstanding leadership at LBC. His proficiency greatly contributed to enhancing Beckett & Co.'s standing within the financial sector. He was particularly adept at guiding clients through financial hardships. In 1848, Smith collaborated with William Beckett to acquire the former Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens property; their initial plan included developing buildings with an adjoining cemetery area but this project was eventually abandoned and the land sold off. Smith maintained his partnership with Beckett & Co. until around 1860 when declining health led him to gradually step back from active business involvement.

Civic responsibilities, organizations, and charitable work

Smith was deeply involved in public service and charitable activities in both Aberdeen and Leeds. In 1851, he was appointed treasurer of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce. Seven years later, in 1858, he acted as the Chamber's representative before a House of Commons select committee, advocating for broader powers regarding Bank of England note issuance. By 1856, Smith held a position on the Leeds Honorary Board for the Scottish Widows Fund and Life Assurance Society. He had become a magistrate for West Riding of Yorkshire by 1861. Additionally, Smith played a role in advancing healthcare by serving on the building committee for Ilkley Hospital and Convalescent Home.

Smith's support extended to multiple charitable organizations, including the Leeds West End People's Institute located in Burley, where he delivered a speech at its first public meeting in 1856. That same year, he gifted a harmonium to the schoolroom at St Matthias' Church, Burley, which he had financed; commemorations within the church honor both him and his first wife, Ann Catherine Jane.

The Leeds Times highlighted his philanthropic spirit:

"Smith’s dedication to public welfare was clear through his promotion of significant charitable initiatives in Leeds. The church, parsonage, and schools at Burley—largely financed by him—stand as lasting tributes to his efforts to uplift the less fortunate. His private acts of charity were equally considerable."

Similarly, the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer noted:

"Smith’s benevolence provided many impoverished men with a reliable supporter ready to aid them in hardship—his greatest pleasure was in doing good."

The Banffshire Journal added:

"Those familiar with Smith recall his unwavering generosity. The church, parsonage, and school at Burley remain enduring symbols of his dedication to religious advancement among the poor. He made significant contributions to Aberdeen’s bell peal and supported initiatives to establish a convalescent hospital there. His numerous private charities and kindness will be sorely missed."

Kirk St Nicholas, Aberdeen

The set of bells at the Kirk of St Nicholas, Aberdeen, was partially financed by Smith. In 1858, nine bells were installed and inaugurated by professional bell-ringers, also funded by Smith; his name was engraved on the D flat bell. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in 1874 destroyed both the bell tower and all the bells, including the tenor bell which weighed 32 cwt (256 kg).

St Matthias' Church, Burley

Smith played a pivotal role in funding this listed structure designed in 1853 by Perkin and Backhouse—who later created Belvedere for Smith—and consecrated in November 1854. He donated the land and made generous contributions to the building fund. The Beckett family of Beckett's Bank supported the project as well, financing elements such as the spire, communion plate, and bells. The east window serves as a memorial to Smith’s first wife, Ann Catherine Jane, who passed away in 1854; three additional windows commemorate Smith himself and two of his sons. In 1869, Smith also funded the reredos. The carved features completed by 1854—including the font—were attributed to Robert Mawer.

In 1855, a memorial dedicated to Smith’s first wife was installed—a marble monument featuring an angel carrying a departing soul sculpted by Benjamin Edward Spence from Rome. The Leeds Intelligencer lauded it as an exquisite example of Decorated Gothic sculpture that harmonizes beautifully with the church’s architectural style.

Burley House

In 1841, Smith took up residence at Burley House located in Burley, Leeds. The property suffered from break-ins twice, once in 1843 and again in 1850, with intruders managing only limited entry and inflicting minor damage. While living there, Smith regularly showcased plants and fruits cultivated on his grounds at the yearly Burley floral and horticultural exhibition. After Smith’s passing, the estate was put up for sale at the close of 1866. The sale advertisement described it as a "spacious and elegant mansion," featuring stabling facilities, a conservatory, vineries, orchard houses, gardens covering approximately four acres, plus an adjacent field nearing eight acres.

Belvedere

Belvedere, situated on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate, is a Grade II listed former mansion constructed around 1861 by Richard Ellis as Smith’s private home. Initially spelled "Belvidere," the residence was designed by architects Perkin and Backhouse. Construction commenced in 1860 and proceeded gradually to completion. Over time, the building served various purposes including housing St Peter's School, Harrogate School of Art, and by 1923 becoming home to the Harrogate YMCA, which established a Memorial Hall Gymnasium within its walls. As of 2023, the structure has been repurposed into office accommodation.

The property boasts two original facades facing The Stray and Victoria Avenue, both clad with Birk Crag stone. Architectural features include a tower topped with a flagpole that was originally intended as an observatory, bay and oriel windows, and a porte-cochère adorned with Harehills stone carvings.

The interior once displayed considerable grandeur: a vestibule floor laid with black and white marble tiles; wide marble staircases; a richly decorated hall featuring a wood-and-glass screen; and an expansive winding staircase with walnut handrails paired with iron balusters beneath a domed skylight. Principal rooms comprised a morning room with a Sienna marble mantelpiece; a dining room highlighted by a black and gold marble mantelpiece; numerous bedrooms equipped with marble fireplaces; dressing rooms fitted with water closets and hot and cold water; luxurious bathrooms containing plunge and shower baths; as well as extensive basement servant quarters that included fully appointed kitchens, scullery, pantries, wine cellars, and coal storage.

The estate grounds encompassed a flower garden, paved courtyard, kitchen garden enclosed by stone walls, stabling for thirteen horses, four coach houses, loose boxes, saddle rooms, hay chambers, and an additional cottage. This comprehensive design underscores the building’s historical importance and its capacity to adapt to various institutional roles before its present-day use as commercial office space.

Death

During the last two years preceding his death, Smith endured repeated serious illnesses while spending much of his time at Belvedere. Although his robust constitution allowed for occasional improvements in health, his overall decline caused significant worry among family members and associates. He passed away in Harrogate on 23 September 1866.

Smith’s funeral took place on 28 September 1866 in Harrogate and attracted a large crowd. To accommodate mourners traveling from Leeds, a special train was arranged departing from Leeds railway station.

His will was officially validated on 28 November 1866, disclosing assets valued at less than £140,000—a considerable fortune when adjusted for today’s value.