Sir Richard Hoare (1st Kt), 1713

The bank's founder, a prominent local citizen, was elected Lord Mayor of London in 1712.  On top of his framed portrait sits the City of London's coat of arms.

Two of Sir Richard's descendents have also served as Lord Mayor; Sir Richard Hoare (2nd Kt) in 1745-46, and Sir Frederick Alfred Hoare in 1961-62.