Thomas Twining (merchant)

He became a Freeman of the City of London in 1701, when he worked for the East India Company under Thomas D'Aeth, from whom he bought Tom's Coffee House at No.

In addition to coffee, Twining sold tea, and acquired a reputation for having the finest blends in London.

In about 1722, Twining bought a property later known as Dial House, next door to St Mary's Church, Twickenham, where he either rebuilt or converted and extended the buildings already there.

Subsequently the house was donated the parish of Twickenham by her brother, Richard Twining, as a replacement for the existing vicarage, because the latter was in a condition of disrepair.

Dial House has continued to belong to the Church of England: it is now used as the official residence and office of the Bishop of Kensington.