Introduction
John Freame (1669–1745) was an English banker. He co-founded Barclays Bank in 1690.
Early life
John Freame was born in 1669 in Cirencester, England, and was baptised on 11 November 1669. His father was Robert Freame. In 1683, he was apprenticed to Job Bolton, a Quaker goldsmith based in Lombard Street.
Career
Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he gained his Freedom of the City on 7 April 1690, giving him the right to open a business within the City. Freame went into partnership with Thomas Gould, a fellow Quaker. Located in a part of the city where 25% of the population were Quakers they were able to build up their reputation — and their business, particularly amongst Quakers. They traded as Freame & Gould under the sign of three anchors, building a good reputation.
In 1728, the business moved to 54 Lombard Street, identified as the ‘Sign of Black Spread Eagle’. Signs were used to identify buildings in an age when few people could read, and, as buildings changed hands, signs would remain. Barclays, who continued to trade from the site in Lombard Street, became identified with the Spread Eagle which was then adopted as the official coat of arms for the Bank in 1937. The Barclay name entered the business in 1736, when James Barclay, who had married one of John Freame's daughters, was taken into the partnership by his brother-in-law, Joseph.
In 1713, he published Scripture Instruction: Digested into Several Sections by Way of Questions & Answers in Order to Promote Piety & Virtue, and Discourage Vice & Immorality, with a Preface Relating to Education.
Personal life
Freame married Priscilla, Thomas Gould's sister (Thomas married Hannah, John's sister) on 19 October 1697 at the Friends' Meeting at Devonshire House, London.John and Priscilla had eight children including:
- Mary Freame (1700-1760), married Thomas Plumstead.
- Joseph Freame (1701-1766, married Anne Osgood; followed his father into the business.
- Priscilla Freame (1702-1769) was the second wife of David Barclay of Cheapside, and they had eight children together, including David Barclay of Youngsbury (1729–1809).
- Sarah Freame (1708-1769), married James Barclay (1708-1766), the first Barclay in the bank.
Death
He died in 1745.