George Armitstead, 1st Baron Armitstead facts for kids
George Armitstead, 1st Baron Armitstead was an important British businessman and politician. He was also known for his kindness and generosity, giving money to good causes. He was born in Riga, Latvia, on February 28, 1824, and passed away in London on December 7, 1915.
Early Life and Education
George Armitstead was born in Riga, Latvia, on February 28, 1824. His father was an English merchant who worked with jute, a type of fiber used to make ropes and fabrics. George was the second son in his family. He went to school in Germany, studying in cities like Wiesbaden and Heidelberg.
Business Success
In 1843, George Armitstead moved to Dundee, Scotland. There, he started his own shipping company and jute business called George Armitstead & Co. He became the main boss of this successful company.
Political Career
George Armitstead became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Dundee. This means he was elected to represent the people of Dundee in the British Parliament. He served as an MP from 1868 to 1873, and again from 1880 to 1885.
He also held important local roles. He was a justice of the peace (JP), helping to keep law and order. He was also a deputy lieutenant (DL) for Forfarshire and Dundee, which is a senior role supporting the King or Queen's representative in the area. He was also made a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, which means he was recognized for his interest in geography and exploration.
George Armitstead was very generous. He gave £5,000 to a hospital fund. Because of his contributions, he was given a special title: Baron Armitstead, of Castlehill in Dundee, on July 19, 1906. He had actually been offered this title before, in 1893, by his close friend William Ewart Gladstone, who was a Prime Minister. Armitstead and Gladstone were very good friends. Armitstead often paid for Gladstone's holidays abroad and sometimes traveled with him. He was even one of the people who helped carry Gladstone's coffin at his state funeral.
Personal Life and Legacy
George Armitstead married Jane Elizabeth Baxter in 1848. They faced challenges in their marriage and separated later on. Despite this, they remained married until Jane's death in 1913.
After his marriage difficulties, Armitstead bought a large house in London. He passed away there on December 7, 1915, at the age of 91. His ashes were buried in Western Cemetery, Dundee.
George Armitstead did not have any children. When he died, his special title of Baron ended. He left money in his will to create a special teaching position (a "chair") for Philosophy at the University of Dundee. He also left money for a hospital ward. Both Lord and Lady Armitstead created several trusts in Dundee to help people and good causes. For example, one trust started in 1882 supports the Botanical Gardens at the University of Dundee and a series of lectures.
His nephew, also named George Armitstead, became the Mayor of Riga (in Latvia) from 1901 to 1912. In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II even unveiled a statue of this nephew in Latvia. Another nephew, Henry Alfred Armitstead, was a diplomat and was involved in efforts to help Tsar Nicholas II after the Russian Revolution.
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