Charles Duncombe 1648-1711

Sir Charles DUNCOMBE or DUNCOMB 1648-1711

Duncombe's bookplate (British Museum, Franks Collection *329)

Biographical Note

Born at Whitchurch, Buckinghamshire, son of Alexander Duncombe, yeoman. Apprenticed to Edward Backwell, goldsmith and banker in 1665, freeman of the Goldsmiths Company 1672; he took over Backwell's banking business and quickly became wealthy and well-connected. Commissioner of the Royal Mint 1680, cashier-general of the hearth tax 1684, Lord Mayor of London 1708. He acquired extensive estates in Yorkshire, Wiltshire and elsewhere.

Books

Duncombe used an engraved armorial bookplate dated 1702 (Franks *266/*329); the extent and disposition of his library are not known.

Sources

• Aylmer, G. E. "Duncombe, Sir Charles (bap. 1648, d. 1711), financier." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.