Robert Child (Devizes MP)
Sir Robert Child | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | 6 October 1721 (aged 47) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, Politician |
| Known for | Chairman of the East India Company (1715), Member of Parliament for Helston (1710–1713) and Devizes (1713–1715) |
Sir Robert Child (baptised 6 June 1674 – 6 October 1721) was a prominent English banker and political figure. He inherited the London-based banking firm Child & Co. from his father and held the position of Chairman of the East India Company in 1715. Child served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Helston between 1710 and 1713, and subsequently represented Devizes from 1713 until 1715.
Personal background
The eldest surviving son of Sir Francis Child, an MP and the Lord Mayor of London in 1698 who was jeweller to King William III, Robert Child inherited Osterley Park. This estate came into the family after his father acquired it through a mortgage default, becoming Robert’s main residence.
Member of Parliament
Child’s parliamentary career began as MP for Helston from 1710 to 1713, after which he took over his father’s seat representing Devizes until 1715. He received a knighthood in 1714 and held the role of alderman in London until his death. Dying unmarried, his assets passed to his brother Francis. His nephews, Francis and Robert, later engaged architect Adam to build Osterley House.