Person Theobald; James (1688- 1759); merchant and natural historian Theobald James merchant and natural historian 1688- 1759 British Male London, England 1688 London, England 20 February 1759 17590220 Baptism: Lambeth, London, England (21 June 1688)

Belvidere House, Lambeth, Surrey (1726); Surrey Street, London (1759)

Merchant and natural historian Antiquarianism Natural history Career: Served an apprenticeship with his father as barber-surgeon (1704-1712); began working in the timber trade (1721); Co-adjutor, of the Society of Antiquaries (1728-1735); Director of the Bank of England (1744-1755); Master of the Barber-Surgeons company and governor of the Merchant seaman's corporation (1750); involved with the newly formed Society of the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce, which became the Society of Arts (1753); became Vice President (1759). Memberships: FSA (1726) Parents: Peter Theobald Was in correspondence with Sir Hans Sloane FRS 1685, sending him natural history specimens, which resulted in his nomination for a Fellowship of the Royal Society. Became an involved and influental member of the Royal Society. His extensive collection, comprising shells, fossils, pictures, specimens of penmanship, coins and medals in gold, silver and brass, was sold in June 1768, via auction in Coven Garden. Royal Society roles: Council: 1728-1730; 1739-1741; 1743 Fellow 04/11/1725 Sir Hans Sloane Sources: Bulloch's Roll; Printed list; Romulus 1 & 2 References: John H Appleby, 'James Theobald, FRS (1688-1759), Merchant and Natural Historian' in NR 1996 vol 50 pp 179-189 Gentleman's Magazine 1759, p94 (obituary) International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa 1996 ISBN 0-9696035-3-3 National Council on Archives, Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997 - 20 Feb 1759 The past Fellows entries are under continuous revision. If you have queries or additional information to contribute, please contact Library@royalsociety.org. Content in external sources is not controlled by the Royal Society and historical sources may include content that is now unacceptable. Reviewed on 05/12/2024 as part of the Name Authority Project update. NA539 21/11/2001 Andyg Martind 05/12/2024 RS_NET\VidaM Yes 4a3cc39a-88bd-419f-8f63-45004dd446d9