John Houblon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sir John Houblon (March 13, 1632 – January 10, 1712) was the Bank of England's first Governor, and held the post from 1694 to 1697.

Sir John was the third son of James Houblon, a London merchant, and his wife, Mary De Quesne. He became Sheriff of the City of London in 1689, an Alderman from 1689 to 1712, and Master of the Grocer's Company from 1690 to 1691. He was Lord Mayor in 1695.

He was member of parliament for Bodmin in three Parliaments, and was a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty from 1694 to 1699. It was during this time, from 1694 until 1697, that he served as inaugural governor of the Bank of England.

He was again a Bank of England director from 1700, and a director of the New East India Company from 1700 to 1701.

His brother, Abraham, was also Bank of England Governor, from 1703 to 1705. A daughter of Abraham Houblon, Anne, was married to Henry Temple, later Viscount Palmerston, in 1703.

He is currently known for appearing on the back of Series E £50 Bank of England note. The Bank was criticised over this choice by some commentators for being self-indulgent. The Bank would argue that it was a fitting tribute to its tercentenary.