Benjamin Hammet
Sir Benjamin Hammet was an English businessman, banker and politician, who served as Member of Parliament from Taunton, and as High Sheriff of London.
Contemporary accounts state that he was a footman, son of a Taunton barber, who courted and married Louisa Esdaile, the sister-in-law of his master John 'Vulture' Hopkins. Louisa was the daughter of Sir James Esdaile, a rich banker; and Hammet's success as a banker and building contractor was credited to the influence and funding provided by his father-in-law, who on the occasion of their marriage settled £5,000 on the bride.
Hammet was elected as Lord Mayor of London in 1797, but paid a ₤1,000 penalty rather than serve. He died 22 July 1800 at Castle Maelgwyn, his Welsh estate. Upon his death, his son John Hammet succeeded him as M.P., and would hold that seat until his own death in 1811.
