English Banking in the Eighteenth Century: Bankers, merchants and the creation of the English financial system

Abstract

The eighteenth century marks the emergence of a genuine English banking system. However it is a period that has received comparatively little historical attention. This thesis seeks to provide an analysis of some of the key features of this system, especially the London banks that stood at its core. It also seeks to show how banking related to the contemporary economy. While banking is usually linked to the growth of industry, especially outside of the provinces, this thesis argues that a new approach is required, which takes into account the banks’ close relationship with England’s important commercial sector.