Richard Bevan (banker, born 1788)
Richard Bevan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1788-08-22 Swallowfield Park, Berkshire, England |
| Died | 1870-02-04 |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founding figure of Barclays Bank |
Richard Bevan (22 August 1788 – 4 February 1870) was a prominent British banker and philanthropist, recognized as one of the founding figures of Barclays Bank.
Early life
Richard Bevan was born at Swallowfield Park, Berkshire, as the son of banker Silvanus Bevan III and Louisa Kendall. He grew up alongside six siblings at Riddlesworth Hall. His education included time at Harrow School followed by studies at Trinity College, Cambridge.
Career
Bevan began his banking career with the Brighton Union Bank, which was founded in 1805 by William Golding, James Browne, Nathaniel Hall, Richard Lashmar, and Thomas West. This institution later transformed into Hall, Bevan, West and Bevans before merging in 1894 with Barclay, Bevan, Tritton, Ransom, Bouverie and Co., a predecessor to what is now known as Barclays Bank.
Philanthropy
He was actively involved in charitable work, notably supporting the Widow's Friend and Benevolent Society.
Personal life
Bevan was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Charlotte Hunter on 30 August 1823; she was the daughter of Lt-Col Dunbar James Hunter and Seraphina Donclere. Together they had five children: four daughters and one son, Richard Alexander Bevan (1834–1918), who also pursued a career in banking. Charlotte passed away in 1835.
Their youngest daughter, Charlotte Louisa (1831–1911), united the Bevan family with the Bosanquet banking dynasty through her marriage to Percival Bosanquet in 1859. Two other daughters, Theodosia (1828–1886) and Elizabeth Charlotte (1830–1894), both wed members of the clergy. Their eldest daughter, Harriet Caroline, died during childhood.
His second marriage was to Sarah Dewar (died 1883), daughter of Richard Cuming Dewar from Clapham, Surrey. She had been a close friend of his first wife. This union did not produce any offspring.
Bevan's residence was Highcliff Lodge at 128 Marine Parade on Marine Square in Kemptown, Brighton.
Death
He passed away on 4 February 1870 and was interred at Brighton's Extra-Mural Cemetery.