Peter Delmé (banker)
Sir Peter Delmé | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1667 London, England |
| Died | 1728-09-04 London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, banker, politician |
| Years active | Early 1700s |
| Known for | Governor of the Bank of England (1715–1717), Lord Mayor of London (1723–1724) |
Sir Peter Delmé (1667–1728) was a distinguished English merchant and banker during the early 1700s. Through his granddaughter, Anne, who married Prime Minister Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton, he is an ancestor of the Dukes of Grafton.
Early life and career
Delmé was born in London as the third son of Pierre Delmé, a Huguenot refugee, and Sibella Nightingale.
He established himself as a London-based merchant engaged in trade with Turkey and Portugal and was recognized at the time of his death as England’s leading exporter of woollen products. His civic roles included serving as Alderman for Langbourn Ward. He was knighted in 1714, held the office of Sheriff of London from 1717 to 1718, and was elected Lord Mayor of London for the term 1723–1724.
Delmé became a member of the Bank of England’s board in 1698. He advanced to Deputy Governor between 1713 and 1715, then served as Governor from 1715 until 1717. Following his governorship, he continued as part of the Court of Directors until his passing in 1728.
Family
On 26 January 1709, he wed Anne Machan. Their family included four children, among them:
- Anne Delmé (died June 1794), who married Henry Liddell, 1st Baron Ravensworth, and was the mother of Anne FitzPatrick, Countess of Upper Ossory.
- Peter Delmé (1710–1770), who pursued a political career and whose son also entered politics.
Sir Peter Delmé passed away on 4 September 1728 at his residence on Fenchurch Street in London. His testament bequeathed a considerable fortune to his offspring and included a donation to Morden College. A richly adorned memorial commemorates him in the Guild Church of St Margaret Pattens.