Sir Gilbert Heathcote

Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 1st Baronet (1652-1733), by Michael Dahl, depicted in Alderman’s robes with the Coronation mace and sword on a table behind him.

Oil on canvas.

126cm x 102cm

Sir Gilbert was a very successful London merchant. He was one of the promoters of the new East India Company and served as its Director.

He was also a founder of the Bank of England. In 1694, he was elected one of the bank’s first Directors and served as Governor from 1709 to 1711 and again from 1723-1725. A similar portrait hangs in the Governor’s parlour of the Bank of England.

Sir Gilbert was elected Lord Mayor of London for the year 1711 and was the last Lord Mayor to ride on horseback in his procession.

In 1700 he became a Member of Parliament. A consistent Whig, he was made a baronet eight days before his death at his family home, Normanton Park in Rutland.

His descendant, Sir Gilbert Henry Heathcote, 6th Baronet, inherited the barony of Willoughby de Eresby from his mother in 1888 and became the 1st Earl of Ancaster in 1892.