Samuel Holden

Samuel Holden was English merchant, banker and politician. From humble beginnings he was able to become one of the most respected business people in 18th century England.

Holden lost his father when he was five, and while he was still a young boy he was sent to the Muscovy’s Company’s factory at Riga on the Baltic, where he remained several years. From there he returned to London, where he had a counting-house in Winchester St., trading mainly with Russia, but also with Smyrna, Leghorn and Lisbon.

Holden acquired a large fortune, earned the respect of London’s business community and was a director of the Bank of England in 1720-1727 and from 1731-1740. He was also a Governor of the Muscovy Company from 1728-1740. In 1723 Peter the Great entrusted him personally with the care of Russian apprentices sent to England for training. Holden was active in politics and was a Member of Parliament from 1735-1740.

Samuel Holden died 12 June 1740, leaving £60,000 of his fortune to be shared among his wife and two surviving daughters, and the excess to be distributed to charity.