Sir William Hodges, 1st Baronet
Sir William Hodges, 1st Baronet | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1645 |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, politician |
| Years active | 1705–1710 (MP) |
| Known for | Whig Member of Parliament for Mitchell, director of the Bank of England |
Sir William Hodges, 1st Baronet (circa 1645 – 31 July 1714) was an English merchant and Whig politician who represented constituencies in the English and later British House of Commons from 1705 until 1710.
Early life
Born to John Hodges of Cotterstock, Northamptonshire, William Hodges married Sarah Hall in 1681. She was the daughter of Joseph Hall, a merchant operating in London and Ballasore, Bengal. During that period, Hodges lived in Mincing Lane.
Career
Hodges amassed considerable wealth through commerce with Spain and formed a partnership in Cadiz alongside Christopher Hague, Ellis Terrell, and the Honorable Henry Bertie. Throughout the Nine Years' War, he provided financial support to the English government by accepting a £300,000 bill related to the naval fleet under Admiral Edward Russell’s command. He was granted a baronetcy on 31 March 1697.
In 1703, Hodges was appointed as a director of the Bank of England. He secured election as a Whig Member of Parliament for Mitchell during the 1705 general election and retained his seat in 1708 but chose not to contest the election in 1710.
Death and legacy
Hodges passed away on 31 July 1714 at his home on Winchester Street near Austin Friars. He was interred at St Katherine Coleman church. His funeral was distinguished by the attendance of forty-two coaches belonging to noblemen. His sole son, Joseph, inherited the baronetcy. Lady Hodges died three years later in 1717.