Samuel Holden
Samuel Holden | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1675 |
| Died | 1740 |
| Occupation(s) | Trader, political figure |
| Years active | Early 18th century |
| Known for | Director and Governor of the Bank of England, advocate for repeal of Corporation Act and Test Acts |
Samuel Holden (1675–1740) was a prominent English trader, political figure, and advocate for nonconformist causes.
Life
Born to Joseph Holden and Priscilla Watt, he launched his professional journey with the Russia Company based in Riga and eventually became a prosperous merchant in London. Holden held the position of director at the Bank of England during two periods: from 1720 to 1727 and again from 1731 to 1740. He also served as the bank's Deputy Governor between 1727 and 1729, before being appointed Governor from 1729 until 1731.
As a Dissenter, Holden led a committee starting in 1732 that sought the repeal of the Corporation Act along with other Test Acts. He secured a seat in Parliament representing East Looe in 1735. Although Sir Robert Walpole promised not to hinder the repeal initiatives, Holden's efforts in Parliament were unsuccessful, prompting his resignation from the committee in 1736, with Benjamin Avery succeeding him.
Holden was married to Jane Whitehalgh from Staffordshire, and together they had one son and three daughters. Their daughter Mary married John Jolliffe, MP for Petersfield, in 1744.
Legacy
Upon his death in 1740, Holden bequeathed £60,000. A portion of this endowment was allocated to finance the building of Holden Chapel at Harvard College, which is named in his honor.