William Salt
William Salt | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age London, England |
| Died | December 6, 1863 (aged 55) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, genealogist, antiquarian |
| Known for | William Salt Library, genealogical and topographical collections |
William Salt (29 October 1808 – 6 December 1863) was a London-based British banker, as well as a genealogist and antiquarian, honored through the establishment of the William Salt Library in Stafford.
Life
William Salt was the son of John Stevenson Salt, who served as High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1838. His mother, Sarah Stevenson, was the granddaughter of John Stevenson, the founder of a banking enterprise in Stafford dating back to 1737. This banking firm, known as Stevenson Salt & Co, commenced operations in Cheapside, London, in 1788. It later merged with Bosanquet & Co in 1867 before becoming part of the Lloyds Banking Company. William Salt's nephew was Sir Thomas Salt Bt., who resided at Standon near Eccleshall, Staffordshire.
Collections and legacy
Salt amassed an extensive collection of books and documents focusing on topography and genealogy, particularly concerning Staffordshire. Following his passing, his assembled works were catalogued and gifted to Stafford County, which facilitated the foundation of the William Salt Library located in Market Square, Stafford, opening its doors in 1872.
His name also endures through the William Salt Archaeological Society, created in 1879 with the purpose of publishing historical records at both local and national levels; this organization was renamed the Staffordshire Record Society in 1936.
William Salt passed away on 6 December 1863 and is interred at Highgate Cemetery.