William Beckford

Before he inherited the vast family fortune, Beckford studied medicine in Leyden and Paris. His father was the wealthiest and most powerful sugar planter in Jamaica, and therefore he had enough resources to dedicate himself to his main passion – the politics.

In the mid-1740s Beckford moved to London to run his business affairs and soon became one of the most powerful businessmen in the city. He was elected MP for Shaftsbury in 1747 and later for the City of London. In addition to that, William also served as Lord Mayor of London three times, in 1762, 1769 and 1770.

Beckford's wealth further increased as a consequence of the Seven Years War (1756-1763) against France, when French sugar supplies were disrupted in favor of the British planters who increased they profits enormously. Beckford invested part of his profits in lucrative shipping and moneylending activities.

Beckford was known for his lavish banquets of which four were regarded by gourmets as the best since the days of Henry VIII.

He died in 1770, leaving £1m or £6.6bn to his underage son.