William Haldimand was an English philanthropist, director of the Bank of England, and Member of Parliament.
Background
He was the son of Anthony Francis Haldimand (1741–1817), a London merchant, nephew and heir of Sir Frederick Haldimand. He was one of twelve children, most of whom died young, and was born in London 9 September 1784. At sixteen he entered his father"s counting-house, showed talent for business, and at twenty-five became a director of the Bank of England.
Career
He was the brother of Jane Marcet, a popular writer on science and economics. Haldimand was an advocate of the resumption of specie payments, and gave evidence in the parliamentary inquiry which led to the act of 1819. In 1828 Haldimand settled permanently at his summer villa, Denantou, near Lausanne.
A visit to Aix-les-Bains for his health resulted in his erecting there in 1829 a hospital for poor patients.
The municipality gave it his name. But after the annexation of Savoy to France from the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, it was styled the Hortense Hospital, Queen Hortense having endowed lieutenant
Purchases of French rentes, made to strengthen the new Orleans dynasty, involved Haldimand in losses.
Politics
Inclined to radicalism in politics, and to scepticism in religion, he nevertheless exerted himself in favour of the free church in Vaud, threatened with state persecution.
Membership
7th United Kingdom Parliament]
In 1820 he was elected Member of Parliament for Ipswich, and was re-elected in 1826, but when the return was disputed he gave up the seat.