Thomas Neale, a seventeeth-century projector

Abstract

This study reconstructs the life and work of one of England's foremost projectors - Thomas Neale (1641-1699). Stress is placed on his early career, on his numerous projects and on his associates, all previously lacunae in our knowledge of the man.Family origins, rise to fortune and the complex family network that was so important to Meals, are examined. His role as landowner and county figure in Hampshire where he owned an estate until 1678, is also scrutinised. For three decades from 1668 he was a Member of Parliament. Partly through his services there he became a courtier his growing power and influence at Court enabled him, In turn, to promote his projects.In his long career the Revolution of 1688 acted as a natural dividing line. before 1688 his projects were only four in number, two of which concerned property development. After 1688 the projects - 39 in all - were broadly ranged and included otteries, treasure recovery, new industrial processes and financial innovations. From 1686 until his death Mastership of the Mint provided Neale with yet more influence and contacts and showed particularly during the Great Recoinage (1696-1694), the calibre of his work. Throughout Neale's hectic life money loomed large. Thus an attempt is made to reconstruct his personal financial state both before and after 1688, and the extent to which his finances were linked to his projects. He enjoyed the favours and friendship of two monarchs, worked with leading politicians fellow courtiers, projectors, businessmen and artisans. While emphasis has, of course, been placed on reconstructing his life, a secondary theme is the interplay between the Court, the City and 'Westminster and his role as middleman, a role in which he excelled.

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