Banker. Son of Charles Asgill of Barford, Oxfordshire. Married twice, firstly (1752) to Elizabeth Vanderstegen (d. 1754)1 and secondly (1755) to Sarah Pratviel (d. 1816). Alderman of Candlewick Ward (1749-1777). Sheriff of London (1752-53). Lord Mayor of London (1757-8). Created 1st Baronet Asgill of London in 1761. His London home was at 10, Swithin's Lane, Cannon Street until 1767-8 when he acquired new lodgings at St. James's Square.2
In 1761 he moved into Asgill House, Richmond-upon-Thames, which was built for him by one of the most famous architects of the 18th century, Sir Robert Taylor (1714-1788). Asgill lived there until his death. He was buried from St. Bartholmew's-by-the-Exchange in London on September 21, 1788. Architect Sir Robert Taylor and Asgill were friends and, tragically, Taylor died a few weeks after Asgill in 1788, having caught a cold at his old friend's funeral.3
- 1According to Gentleman's Magazine, June, 1752, Elizabeth was the 2nd daughter of Henry Vanderstegen. Her dowry was 12,000 l.
- 2According to Kent's Directories for the Years 1750-1768.
- 3Colvin, H. M.. (1954). A Biographical Dictionary of English Architects, 1660-1840. Harvard University Press. p. 601pp.
Boswell "got an order on Sir Charles Asgill for [his] money from William Cochrane on May 28, 1763. He mentions James Love in this connection, which would suggest either that Love had finally decided to repay Boswell some of the money he had borrowed from him, or (which doesn't concern Love) that Boswell's allowance from his father for some reason should be paid out by Asgill this time, instead of by Cochrane or Coutts which was usually the case. Boswell doesn't mention actually meeting Sir Charles, and he may just refer to Asgill's very successful banking firm.