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 experienced a major financial downturn and was left with substantial obligations following the spectacular collapse of the South Sea Bubble. Before his demise, he vowed to settle all his debts and succeeded in doing so, but during this period, he had to evade his creditors and seek refuge in Ostend, Belgium.