In 1723, he lost a great deal of money and was left burdened in debt following the spectacular investments and subsequent financial collapse known as the South Sea Bubble. He vowed to repay all his debts, and did so before he died, but meanwhile had to flee from his debtors to Ostend in Belgium.
In 1723, he suffered a severe financial blow and was left with substantial liabilities following the spectacular collapse of the South Sea Bubble. Before his death, he made a promise to pay off all his debts and fulfilled that promise, but during this time, he had to flee from his creditors and find safety in Ostend, Belgium.