Nathaniel Gould (1661–1728)
Sir Nathaniel Gould | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age |
| Died | July 21, 1728 (aged 66) |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, Politician |
| Years active | 1701–1728 |
| Known for | Governor of the Bank of England (1711–1713), MP for New Shoreham |
Sir Nathaniel Gould (born 3 December 1661 – died 21 July 1728) was a prominent English merchant and political figure who represented constituencies in the House of Commons of England from 1701 until the union in 1707, and subsequently served in the House of Commons of Great Britain until his passing in 1728.
As proprietor of shipbuilding facilities located in Shoreham, Gould also played a role in the restoration of the local market house. His parliamentary career began with his election as Member of Parliament for New Shoreham in 1701; although initially removed due to allegations of bribery, he was soon re-elected. Gould maintained this seat through May 1708, regained it in 1710, and continued to serve as MP until his death, despite facing numerous petitions accusing him of electoral bribery or coercion.
His tenure as Governor of the Bank of England spanned from 1711 to 1713, coinciding with the establishment of the South Sea Company, where he had previously held the position of Deputy Governor. In recognition of his status, he was knighted in 1721.
Gould married Frances, daughter of Sir John Hartopp, 3rd Baronet and granddaughter to Charles Fleetwood. The family’s banking ties were further strengthened when one of their children married Thomas Cooke, who served as Governor of the Bank of England between 1737 and 1740.
His residence was at Fleetwood House in Stoke Newington, alongside property holdings in New Shoreham. Passing away at age 66, Gould bequeathed the majority of his estate to his nephews, John Gould (MP) and Nathaniel Gould (MP). Through his daughter Mary’s marriage to Sir Francis St John, his lineage includes notable descendants such as the Dukes of Manchester and Earls of Gosford.