Josiah Diston 1667-1737

From Book Owners Online

Josiah DISTON 1667-1737

Biographical Note

Son of Josiah Diston of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, a dissenter. Banker, cloth factor, MP for Devizes and director of the Bank of England from 1701. He began selling his property after losing his parliamentary seat and failing as receiver general, and spent the rest of his life in debt.

Books

Diston's library was sold by auction in London on 24 January 1727, presumably as part of wider sales intended to clear his debts. His books were sold alongside the furniture of an as yet unidentified William Cunningham. The auction was advertised in the Daily Post.

Sources