Samuel Touchet

Born in Manchester into a merchant family, Samuel began his career representing his father's cotton and manufacturing business in London.

He proved to be more than successful in importing of raw cotton from the Levant and the West Indies, and linen yarn from Europe. During 1750s he diversified his business interests in shipping, insurance broking, speculation in naval prizes, and the sugar and slave trade, amassing a considerable fortune. Using his wealth and prominence, Touchet tried to obtain, in association with other merchants, a monopoly of the trade to Labrador, and later to Senegal which exported slaves, ivory, gold, wax and gum required in linen and cotton printing. However, both attempts failed. In the later years his business suffered serious setback and was finally taken over by his creditors in 1763.

Active in politics, Touchet became the MP for Shaftesbury in 1761 holding that post until 1768.