William Morland

William Morland
Born	1739
Died	1815
Occupation(s)	Banker, politician
Known for	Member of Parliament for Taunton (1796–1806)

William Morland (1739–1815) was a British banker and parliamentarian who represented Taunton as a Member of Parliament from 1796 until 1806.

Life

In 1786, Morland joined forces with Griffin Ransom II and Thomas Hammersley to establish a banking firm located at 57 Pall Mall, operating under the name Ransom, Morland & Hammersley. Another partner was George Kinnaird, 7th Lord Kinnaird, who was connected to the family through his marriage to Elizabeth Ransom, daughter of Griffin Ransom I; however, the bank never incorporated Kinnaird’s name in its title.

In politics

Morland’s banking enterprise became significantly involved in handling financial matters for the Prince of Wales. During 1789–90, he held an official position within the Duchy of Cornwall. His initial attempt to enter Parliament occurred in the 1790 general election when he contested one of the two seats for Taunton alongside John Halliday, but both were unsuccessful.

By the 1796 election, following the withdrawal of incumbent Pitt supporter Alexander Popham, Morland stood as a Whig candidate. His candidacy discouraged Walter Boyd, another Pittite hopeful, resulting in an uncontested election where Morland was chosen alongside Sir Benjamin Hammet.

While serving in Parliament, Morland aligned himself with the second Pitt government and opposed the Ministry of All the Talents. The political landscape in Taunton shifted by 1806, leading to his electoral defeat by Alexander Baring, an outcome influenced by Lord Henry Petty.

Banking

Morland was instrumental in founding the Dundee New Bank toward the end of 1801, collaborating with principal investors including Lord Kinnard and John Baxter of Idvies.

Family

In 1762, Morland married Mary Ann Mills, daughter of Austin Mills from Greenwich. They had one daughter named Hannah (also known as Harriet), who became the wife of Scrope Bernard in 1785.