George Benjamin Thorneycroft facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Benjamin Thorneycroft
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Blue plaque at the former family home
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| Born | 20 August 1791 Tipton, Staffordshire, England
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| Died | 28 April 1851 (aged 59) Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Ironmaster |
| Known for | 1st Mayor of Wolverhampton |
George Benjamin Thorneycroft (born August 20, 1791 – died April 28, 1851) was a very successful businessman. He was an ironmaster, which means he owned and managed factories that made iron. He was also a supporter of the Tory political party.
George Thorneycroft became famous for being the very first Mayor of Wolverhampton. This happened in 1848, after Wolverhampton officially became a Borough. A borough is a town or district that has its own local government.
Contents
Building an Iron Empire
George Thorneycroft started his journey in the iron business at a young age. He moved to Leeds with his family, but later returned to Wolverhampton when he was 18. He already knew a lot about working with iron, especially forging, which is shaping metal with heat and tools.
He joined an iron works in Bilston. In 1824, George and his twin brother, Edward, started their own company called Shrubbery Ironworks in Wolverhampton.
From Small Start to Big Success
At first, Shrubbery Ironworks only made about 10 tons of iron each week. But George was very skilled and knew how to grow the business. Soon, they were making 700 tons of high-quality iron every week!
George was also very good at selling his products. He became a main supplier for the new and fast-growing railway companies. This meant his iron was used to build trains and tracks all over the country.
A Lasting Legacy
The business kept growing even after George Thorneycroft passed away. It made a lot of money during the Crimean War by producing armour plating and shells for the military.
However, like many businesses, the iron works faced tough times. There was a period when people didn't need as much iron. Because of this, Shrubbery Ironworks closed down in 1877.
A Leader for Wolverhampton
George Thorneycroft was a strong supporter of conservative ideas in politics. As his business grew, so did his importance in the town.
Becoming the First Mayor
Because of his growing influence, he was chosen to be the very first Mayor of Wolverhampton in 1848. This was a big moment for the town. To celebrate, he gave the town council, known as the Corporation, a special silver gilt mace. A mace is a decorated staff carried as a symbol of authority.
A Statue to Remember Him
Today, you can still see a statue of George Thorneycroft. It was made by a sculptor named Thomas Thornycroft. The statue stands at the top of a staircase in the entrance hall of the old Town Hall in Wolverhampton. It reminds everyone of his important role in the town's history.
His Family Life
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George Thorneycroft was born in Tipton on August 20, 1791. His parents ran a public house called the Three Furnaces there.
He married Eleanor Page, who was from Moxley. They lived with their family at Chapel Ash House in Wolverhampton. This house is now called Salisbury House. There is a special blue plaque on the house today, which tells people about George Thorneycroft's connection to the building.
