David Bosanquet 1699-1741

David BOSANQUET 1699-1741

Bosanquet's bookplate (British Museum Franks Collection 3105)

Biographical Note

Son of David Bosanquet, a London merchant. Few biographical details can be traced, beyond his marriage to Dorcas Melchior (d.1779); the family can be assumed to be Huguenots who settled in England in the 17th century. His will shows that he lived in Philpot Lane, Fenchurch Street and a reference to dealing with "what goods I have ... provided for Turkey" suggests that he too followed a mercantile career. The sums of money mentioned in the will, along with "plate jewells watches and rings" suggest a wealthy household.

Books

Bosanquet used an engraved armorial bookplate, dated 1739 (Franks 3105). The extent of his library is not known, and there is no mention of books in his will; all his chattels and household goods were left to his wife. He did refer to "my medals and medal chest", which were left to his brother Richard.

Sources

• Will of David Bosanquet, The National Archives PROB 11/712/266.
• David Bosanquet, thepeerage.com.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.