Sir Richard Hotham

Little is known about his childhood except that he was born in a family of modest origin in York and that he moved to London to become a hatter’s apprentice. In 1743, at age of 21 he married his master’s daughter, which was a common occurrence at the time. Three years later Hotham already succeeded to trade as a hatter in his own right. In memory of those times he was often called the Hotham the Hatter.

At the age of 39, already a widower, Hotham remarried to Barbara Huddart and became involved in the work of the East India Company. Records at the British Library represented him as “Principal Managing Owner” of a number of vessels including the East Indiaman York. In 1768 he was knighted.

From the money accumulated in trade Hotham became involved in property development and purchasing land and buildings in Merton, South London. In a meantime, he was appointed a Magistrate and the High Sheriff of Surrey in 1770. He was also involved in politics becoming Member of Parliament for Southwark (1780-1784).

Hotham was also noted for his development of the Sussex village of Bognor into a seaside resort which attracts visitors to the present day.