William Astell
(1774-1847), Chairman of the East India CompanySitter in 3 portraits
William Astell was a director of the East India Company, the trading body with effective political control of Britain's imperial interests in Asia. He held the post from 1800 for an unprecedented forty-seven years. This period was a time of rapid change for the company and saw the abolition of their trading monopolies with both India (1813) and China (1834). Astell was a staunch advocate of tolerance for native religious practices in the colonies and spoke in the House of Commons on a regular basis.
by George Raphael Ward, after Frederick Richard Say
mezzotint, mid 19th century
NPG D1295
by George Raphael Ward, after Frederick Richard Say
mezzotint, mid 19th century
NPG D561
by George Raphael Ward, after Frederick Richard Say
mezzotint, mid 19th century
NPG D7415
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