Charles Raymond, 1st Baronet

Sir Charles Raymond, 1st Baronet (1713 – 24 August 1788) was a British merchant and aristocrat. Born to a minor gentry family in Devon, Raymond entered the East India Company in c. 1729, and eventually rose to become one of the company's leading figures.

Early life Charles Raymond was born in Devon in 1713, the son of John Raymond of Marple and his wife Anna Maria Tanner. He was the couple's fifth child: he had an elder sister, Anna Maria, and three elder brothers who had died young prior to Charles' birth. He was baptised at Withycombe Raleigh on 23 April 1713.

Charles' father died in c. 1725, leaving Charles himself set to inherit a considerable property upon his coming of age; his father had been a wealthy gentleman with connections to the East India Company. Following this first voyage, Charles took to sea again as fourth mate on the Princess of Wales.

Charles had been due to undertake a fifth voyage in 1747, but recused himself by claiming illness. Instead, he transitioned into a career as a charter-party director, entering contracts with captains to sail aboard his ships. Raymond retired from this partnership in 1778, and established a new bank, Raymond, Harley, Webber & Co, win which he remained a partner until his death.

Political career In 1771–2, Charles Raymond was Sheriff for the County of Essex. On 31 May 1774 he was created a Baronet.

Raymond twice considered running for Parliament, in Middlesex and in Exeter, but on both occasions withdrew himself from contention prior to the election.

Family Charles Raymond married Sarah Webster as St Stephen Walbrook, London on 22 January 1743. The couple had a number of children together, though most died in childhood. Three daughters, Sophia, Juliana, and Anna Maria, survived into adulthood. Sarah died in 1778.

Death and legacy Charles Raymond died on 24 August 1788. Though a family mausoleum had been built for him in 1765, it had never been consecrated, and so he was instead buried at St Margaret's Church, Barking. Charles was succeeded as baronet by his eldest daughter Sophia's husband, William Burrell.