Thomas Raikes (dandy)
Thomas Raikes | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | July 3, 1848 (aged 70) |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant banker, diarist |
| Known for | Diaries; noted dandy |
Thomas Raikes, often referred to as "the Younger" (3 October 1777 – 3 July 1848), was a British merchant banker, noted dandy, and accomplished diarist.
Biography
Born in 1777, Raikes was the eldest child of Thomas Raikes the Elder and his wife, Charlotte. His education took place at Eton, where he formed a lasting friendship with George Brummell, who later became famously known as "Beau".
In 1795, Raikes pursued studies in modern languages while traveling across Continental Europe with a private tutor, visiting numerous German courts. After returning to England, he joined his father’s banking firm as a partner, a position he held even as he continued his European travels.
During 1814, he stayed at the Hague alongside British ambassador Richard Trench. His visits to Paris occurred in 1814, 1819, and 1820, and he spent the winter of 1829–30 in Russia. Beginning in 1833, he resided in France for eight years. Following the Tory Party’s rise to power in 1841, Raikes returned to London with hopes of securing a role under Prime Minister Robert Peel, but without success; subsequently, he divided his time between London and Paris.
In May 1846, declining health prompted him to seek medical treatment in Bath. He later acquired a residence in Brighton, where he passed away on 3 July 1848.
Dandy and diarist
Renowned as a prominent dandy, Raikes was an active figure within London's elite clubs such as the Carlton Club, Watier's, and White's, frequently participating in their betting activities. In financial circles, he earned the moniker 'Apollo' due to his habit of rising early in the City (east) and retiring westward. Richard Dighton famously caricatured him as "One of the Rake's of London".
His diaries provide valuable perspectives on his relationships with notable figures of his era, including Beau Brummell, the Duke of Wellington, Baron Alvanley, and diplomat Talleyrand. A curated four-volume edition of his journal was released posthumously between 1856 and 1857. Additionally, two volumes titled Private Correspondence with the Arthur Wellesley, 2nd Duke of Wellington and other Distinguished Contemporaries, edited by his daughter, appeared in 1861.
Family
On 4 May 1802, Raikes married Sophia Maria Bayly, daughter of Jamaican landowner Nathaniel Bayly. She passed away on 8 March 1822.
The couple had one son and three daughters. Their daughter Harriet became known as a novelist and took on editing duties for her father’s correspondence with Arthur Wellesley, 2nd Duke of Wellington. Their son Henry Thomas Raikes held a judicial position in Bengal.
External links
- One of the Rake's of London – etching by Richard Dighton; National Portrait Gallery, UK