The Ceremony of Administering the Mayoralty Oath to Nathaniel Newnham, 8 November 1782

Nathaniel Newnham was a sugar-baker and a founder of a private bank. During his public career he was Master of the Mercers’ Company in 1786, Alderman for Vintry Ward from 1774 and Sheriff in 1775. From 1780 to 1784 he was MP for the City. Between 1781 and 1809 he commanded various London militia units. Newnham was also President of St Thomas’s Hospital from 1782 to his death in 1809.

Newnham became Lord Mayor in 1782, and is seen here in his black and gold state robe being admitted in Guildhall on 8th November in the Silent Ceremony.

He faces William Bishop, the Common Cryer, who holds the book from which he reads his Oath with the Town Clerk, William Rix, between them; behind stands Heron ...