Rowland Stephenson was a British banker and politician who precipitated the collapse of a bank and took refuge in America.
Background
The son of a banker and great nephew of another (his namesake, Member of Parliament for Carlisle, 1787-1790), he had been born at sea when his family returned from Florida when their business failed after the American War of Independence.
Career
He joined Remington, Stephenson & Company on leaving Eton. He already had several properties in Essex, the manor of Cockermouth and How Hatch estate in Dagenham, before adding to his property in Romford by buying Marshalls in 1816. He was treasurer of Street Bartholomew"s Hospital from 1824 until 1829, where he had an apartment.
After several attempts he was elected Member of Parliament for the Leominster constituency from February 1827 to February 1830, although only after the candidate who had beaten him in 1826 was disqualified.
He was then reported as cashing the securities, buying a brace of loaded pistols from a pawnbroker, and disappearing.
Membership
8th United Kingdom Parliament.