Charles Greenway, 1st Baron Greenway facts for kids

Charles Greenway in 1927

Charles Greenway, 1st Baron Greenway (born June 13, 1857 – died December 17, 1934) was an important British businessman. He was known as Sir Charles Greenway from 1919 to 1927 before he became a Baron.

Charles Greenway was born in Taunton, England. His father was John David Greenway. Charles became a senior partner in two big companies: Shaw Wallace & Co in India and Ceylon, and R. G. Shaw & Co in London.

Building an Oil Empire

Greenway played a key role in the oil industry. He worked with the Burmah Oil Company. Later, he teamed up with William Knox D'Arcy. D'Arcy had won rights to explore for oil in Persia (now Iran).

Starting Anglo-Persian Oil

Together, Greenway and D'Arcy founded the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. The British government also invested money in this company. This was very important for the British Empire. It meant Britain could get its own oil. Oil was vital for ships and vehicles, especially during wartime.

Keeping Oil for Britain

After World War I, some people wanted to sell the oil company to private owners. But Charles Greenway strongly disagreed. He believed the company should stay partly owned by the government. This decision greatly helped the British Treasury (the government's money department).

Honors and Retirement

In 1919, Charles Greenway was given the title of Baronet. This meant he became "Sir Charles Greenway." The title was "Baronet of Wenhaston in the County of Suffolk."

Becoming Lord Greenway

In 1927, he retired as the chairman of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. To recognize his great service to the country, he was given an even higher title. He became a "peer," which meant he joined the House of Lords. His new title was Baron Greenway, of Stanbridge Earls in the County of Southampton.

His Family Life

Lord Greenway married Mabel Tower in 1883. She was the daughter of Edwin Augustine Tower. Charles Greenway passed away in December 1934 when he was 77 years old. His son, Charles, inherited his titles. Lady Greenway, his wife, died in 1940. Charles also had a brother named Thomas John Greenway. Thomas was a famous mining expert in Australia.

Arms of Charles Greenway, 1st Baron Greenway

Crest A griffin’s head Or erased Gules holding in the beak an anchor Sable. Escutcheon Per pale Ermine and Ermines on a chief Azure a crescent between two covered cups Or. Supporters On either side a griffin Sable beak and claws Or holding in the beak an anchor and charged on the shoulder with a covered cup Gold. Motto Labore Et Honore (Industry And Honour)