Sir Benjamin Hammet (c. 1736 – 22 July 1800) was an English businessman, banker and politician, who served as Member of Parliament from Taunton (1782–1800), and as High Sheriff of London.
Contemporary accounts state that he was a footman, son of a Taunton barber, who courted and married Louisa Esdaile, the sister-in-law of his master John 'Vulture' Hopkins.
Louisa was the daughter of Sir James Esdaile, a rich banker; and Hammet's success as a banker and building contractor was credited to the influence and funding provided by his father-in-law, who on the occasion of their marriage settled £5,000 on the bride.
[1] Hammet was elected as Lord Mayor of London (a title which his father-in-law had held previously) in 1797, but paid a £1,000 penalty rather than serve (pleading ill health).
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