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Death of Michael Godfrey, first Deputy Governor of the recently founded Bank of England
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Death of Michael Godfrey, first Deputy Governor of the recently founded Bank of England
Death of Michael Godfrey, first Deputy Governor of the recently founded Bank of England, on 17 July 1695, during the Siege of Namur (2 July to 4 September 1695, part of the Nine Years War), in the Spanish Netherlands (present-day Wallonia, Belgium). He was shot dead from Namur Castle while visiting the trenches with King William III (and probably not, as the illustration implies, taking part in any form of military action). Date: 1695
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Media ID 23463072
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1690s 1695 Bank Banker Dead Deputy Financier Godfrey Governor Horseback Michael Namur Netherlands Shot Siege Tragic Trenches Visiting Wallonia Years
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative print captures the tragic moment in history when Michael Godfrey, the first Deputy Governor of the newly established Bank of England, met his untimely end. The year was 1695, and Europe was embroiled in the Nine Years War between France and the Grand Alliance. Godfrey, a skilled financier and banker, accompanied King William III on a visit to the siege of Namur in the Spanish Netherlands (present-day Wallonia, Belgium). The siege, which lasted from 2 July to 4 September, saw the English and Dutch forces attempting to capture Namur Castle from the Spanish. Despite the dangerous circumstances, Godfrey was reportedly observing the siege from the safety of a distance, likely on horseback, as depicted in the print. However, tragedy struck when a sniper from Namur Castle fired a fatal shot, striking Godfrey in the head. Contrary to the illustration's suggestion, there is no evidence that Godfrey was participating in any military action at the time of his death. King William III was deeply saddened by Godfrey's demise and reportedly ordered a grand funeral for his esteemed advisor. Godfrey's tragic death at the age of 44 marked a significant loss for the Bank of England, which was only a few years old at the time. This poignant print serves as a reminder of the risks and uncertainties that came with being a high-ranking official during times of war.
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