Backwell, Edward (died c. 1683)

London goldsmith and banker, one of the founders of the system of banknotes. He had financial dealings with Oliver Cromwell, Charles II, and most of the nobility of his day, and with the East India Company and several leading city firms. He was employed on many secret missions between Charles II and Louis XIV of France.

In 1662 he was sent to Paris in connection with the sale of Dunkirk: Cromwell had captured the city from Spain, and Charles II now sold it back to France.