James Martin
(1738-1810), Politician; MP for TewkesburySitter in 1 portrait
James Martin was born into a family of bankers whose establishment, known as the Grasshopper, was based at Lombard Street in the City of London. Apprenticed in the mid-1750s and becoming a partner in 1760, Martin was appointed senior partner on Joseph's retirement in 1775, holding that position until 1807. His primary achievement was to manage the bank through the very difficult conditions associated with the early years of the Napoleonic wars. For much of his life in London Martin lived in Downing Street, next door to Pitt the younger, and the two were personal friends, although they held opposing political views. Martin was elected to Parliament as an MP in 1776, and remained there until his retirement in 1807.
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