Family and Education

b. c.1650, 6th s. of Robert Scawen, M.P., of Horton by Catherine, da. of Cavendish Alsopp, merchant; bro. of Sir William Scawen. m. (lic. 4 Sept. 1691) Martha, da. of Abraham Wessell, London merchant, 5s. 4da. Kntd. 25 Sept. 1714. suc. bro. to Horton 1722.

Offices Held

Prime warden, Fishmongers’ Co. 1708-10; alderman, London 1712; director, Bank of England 1705-19, 1723-d. (with statutory intervals), dep. gov. 1719-21, gov. 1721-3.1

Biography

An eminent merchant, trading with Flanders,2 Scawen was returned for London as a government supporter in 1715, after standing for it unsuccessfully in 1713. He voted with the Government except on the peerage bill, which he opposed, but did not stand again. Three years before his death, 22 Sept. 1730, he was passed over for lord mayor because he had not qualified by serving as sheriff.3 As his eldest son Thomas had been already provided for by Sir William Scawen, he left him only the manor of Horton, bequeathing the rest of his property, consisting of estates at Reigate and Cheam in Surrey, together with his personal property, to his three younger sons.4

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes

• 1. N. and Q. clxxix. 60.
• 2. Bd. of Trade Jnl. 1715-18, p. 222.
• 3. A.A. Beaven, Aldermen of London, ii. p. xxvi.
• 4. PCC 290 Auber.