Sir Mark Collet, 1st Baronet
Sir Mark Wilks Collet, 1st Baronet | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | April 25, 1905 (aged 88) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, merchant |
| Known for | Governor of the Bank of England (1887–1889) |
Sir Mark Wilks Collet, 1st Baronet (September 1816 – 25 April 1905) was a prominent English banker and merchant. He held the office of Governor of the Bank of England between 1887 and 1889 and was honored with a baronet title on 12 June 1888 in recognition of his efforts in managing the conversion of the National Debt (specifically the redemption of Consols). Additionally, he served as Lieutenant for the City of London.
Banking career
Collet established the London branch of the Liverpool-based bank Brown, Shipley & Co. in 1864, which later became Brown Brothers & Harriman, a leading American financial institution. He rose to become the senior partner there. In 1866, he joined the Bank of England board as a director, subsequently advancing to Deputy Governor before assuming the role of Governor until 1889. He continued to serve on the Bank’s board until his passing in 1905.
His legacy continued through his grandson, Montagu Norman, who was Governor of the Bank of England from 1920 to 1944.
Family
Mark Wilks Collet was one of three sons born to James Collet and Wendelina Elizabeth Van Brienen. James was descended from Capt. John Corlett (or Collet), a sea captain originating from Douglas, Isle of Man, who eventually settled in Philadelphia.
He married Susannah Gertrude Eyre, daughter of Rev. James Eyre, and they had a daughter named Lina Susan Penelope Collet. Lina wed banker Frederick Henry Norman; their eldest child was Montagu Collet Norman, who later became Governor of the Bank of England (1920–1944). Another son in this family line was Ronald Collet Norman.
From his subsequent marriage to Antonia Edlmann, he fathered Sir Mark Edlmann Collet (1864–1944).
In 1878, he purchased St. Clere, a country estate located in Kemsing, Kent, which he subsequently restored.