Charles Whetham facts for kids

Sir Charles Whetham (born May 25, 1812 – died September 4, 1885) was an important English businessman and politician. He is best known for serving as the Lord Mayor of London from 1878 to 1879.

Who Was Sir Charles Whetham?

Sir Charles Whetham was born in Bridport, a town in Dorset, England. He grew up to become a partner in his family's business, S Whetham & Sons. This company made things from flax and hemp, which are plants used to make fabrics and ropes.

The family business had offices in the City of London, which is the historic heart of London. Charles Whetham moved there and soon became very involved in the city's local government.

Getting Started in London Politics

• In 1843, he was chosen to join the Common Council. This was a group of people who helped run the City of London. He represented an area called Bridge Ward.
• He worked his way up, becoming a deputy (a kind of assistant leader) for his ward in 1865.
• In 1871, he became an alderman, which was an even higher position in the city's government.
• From 1873 to 1874, he served as the Sheriff of London and Middlesex. This was a very important role, like a chief officer for the city. During this time, he was given the title of "Sir" (knighted) by the Queen or King.
• He was also the Master of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers from 1873 to 1874. These "Worshipful Companies" were like old guilds or trade associations that played a big part in London's history.

Becoming Lord Mayor of London

The biggest role Sir Charles Whetham held was Lord Mayor of London. He served in this position from 1878 to 1879. The Lord Mayor is the leader of the City of London Corporation, which is the local government for the historic City of London. It's a very old and respected role.

Other Important Roles

Sir Charles Whetham was a busy man and held several other important positions:

• He was a member of the Conservative Party, one of the main political parties in the United Kingdom.
• He tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for his hometown of Bridport in 1875, but he wasn't elected.
• From 1883 to 1884, he represented the City of London on the Metropolitan Board of Works. This board was in charge of big building projects and improvements across London.
• He was also part of the Thames Conservancy Board from 1883 to 1885, which looked after the River Thames.
• From 1870 to 1885, he was the Chairman of the London and Blackwall Railway Company, helping to manage one of London's early railway lines.

Family Life and Later Years

In 1836, Sir Charles Whetham married Sophia Maria Langley. They had eight children together. He passed away in 1885 at his home in Gordon Square, London, after being ill for a long time.