William Scawen (banker)
Sir William Scawen | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1644 Horton, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Died | 1722-10-18 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Years active | 1692–1722 |
| Known for | Governor of the Bank of England, Member of Parliament |
Sir William Scawen (circa 1644 – 18 October 1722) was a prominent British politician and served as Governor of the Bank of England.
Early life
Born around 1644, Scawen was the son of Robert Scawen from Horton in Buckinghamshire.
Career
After being knighted in 1692, Scawen embarked on a business career before taking on the role of Director at the Bank of England in 1694, a position he held again from 1699 until his passing. He advanced to Deputy Governor in 1695 and subsequently held the Governorship from 1697 to 1699. Between 1710 and 1712, he also served as a Director of the East India Company. By the year 1696, Scawen had amassed considerable wealth, enabling him to acquire a half share in the manor of Carshalton.
His parliamentary service included representing several constituencies: New Windsor from 1693 to 1698, Grampound in 1698 and twice during 1701, Truro following his election in December 1701, and Surrey during two periods, from 1705 to 1710 and again between 1721 and 1722.
Personal life
Scawen was married to Mary Maynard, daughter of Sir William Maynard; however, they had no lawful children. Upon his death, his extensive properties located in Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Yorkshire, Cornwall, and Ireland were inherited by his brother Thomas and his nephew Thomas Scawen.