Family and Education

b. 19 Jan. 1726, 2nd s. of John Martin, M.P., and bro. of James and John Martin.  m. 6 Feb. 1749, Eleanor, da. of Sir John Torriano of College Hill, London, 4s. 3da.

Offices Held

Sheriff, London 1770-1; elected alderman 1772, but refused office.

Biography

Joseph Martin joined the family bank in 1746, and in 1760 succeeded his father as head partner. He was a considerable holder of Bank of England stock, and speculated in Government funds.

He was returned for Gatton on the interest of Sir George Colebrooke, and made his first speech on 10 Dec. 1768. On 25 Jan. 1769 he moved that Wilkes was entitled to privilege of Parliament. ‘I have never spoke to Mr. Wilkes’, he said,1 ‘I voted against him in London. It is the cause that animates me’. Henceforth he voted consistently with Opposition, but had no strong ties with either Rockingham or Chatham.  He died 30 Mar. 1776.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: John Brooke

Notes

• 1. Cavendish’s ‘Debates’, Egerton 216, ff. 73-76.