Charles Wakefield, 1st Viscount Wakefield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Wakefield, 1st Viscount Wakefield
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| Born | December 12, 1859 |
| Died | January 15, 1941 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Castrol |
Charles Cheers Wakefield (born December 12, 1859 – died January 15, 1941) was an important English businessman. He is best known for starting the Castrol company, which makes special oils called lubricants. He also served as the lord mayor of London and was a very generous person who gave a lot to charity.
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Early Life and Family
Charles Wakefield was born in Cheshire, England. His father was John Wakefield, and his mother was Margaret Cheers. He went to school at the Liverpool Institute.
He later married Sarah Frances Graham.
Building the Castrol Company
In the 1890s, Charles Wakefield invented a special device called the Wakefield lubricator. This device helped to oil the moving parts of steam engines.
In 1899, he started his own business, the Wakefield Oil Company. Later, he changed its name to Castrol. The name "Castrol" came from castor oil, which was an important ingredient in his company's lubricating oils. Today, Castrol is a very famous brand in the United Kingdom.
The special oils made by Castrol were used in many different types of engines. They helped motor cars, aeroplanes, and motorcycles run smoothly.
Charles Wakefield was also a big supporter of adventurers. He helped the famous pilot Jean Batten buy her airplane, the Percival Gull Six. With his support, Jean Batten was able to set two new world records for solo flights.
Working for the City of London
Charles Wakefield was very active in the government of the City of London. He was an Alderman, which is a senior member of the city council. He also served as Sheriff in 1907. From 1915 to 1916, he held the important position of Lord Mayor of London.
In 1908, he was given a Knighthood for all his hard work and service to the City of London. He was involved with many city organizations and charities. He even helped start the Wakefield Trust with his friend, the Rev'd "Tubby" Clayton, who founded the Toc H charity.
Because of his great contributions, he received several special honors from the King. In 1917, he became a Baronet. Then, in 1930, he was given the title of Baron Wakefield. In 1934, he received an even higher honor, becoming Viscount Wakefield.
His Connection to Hythe, Kent
Charles Wakefield was a very well-known and important person in the town of Hythe, Kent. The town council called him "Hythe's greatest benefactor," meaning he was the person who gave the most to help the town.
In 1930, he was given the special title of "Freeman of the Borough" of Hythe. This was a big honor for him. You can still see his name on many memorials in Hythe today. There is even a masonic lodge in the town named after him.
Viscount Wakefield is buried in Spring Lane Cemetery in Seabrook, which is part of the Borough of Hythe. This is the same town from which he took his noble titles.
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