Gilbert Innes facts for kids
Gilbert Innes of Stow (1751–1832) was a very important Scottish banker and someone who loved old things and supported artists during a time of great new ideas called the Scottish Enlightenment. He worked as the Deputy Governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland for 38 years. People said he was "the richest commoner in Scotland," meaning he was the wealthiest person who wasn't a noble.
Life of Gilbert Innes
Gilbert Innes was born on February 7, 1751. He was the fourth son of George Innes of Stow and Marion Lauder. His father also worked at the Royal Bank of Scotland, eventually becoming its Chief Executive.
Gilbert studied at the University of Edinburgh. When his father passed away in 1780, Gilbert was the only son left. He inherited the family estate called Stow, which was near Lauder in the Scottish Borders. In 1787, Gilbert became a Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland. He helped the bank get through tough financial times in 1793 and 1797.
In 1800, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This was a special honor for people who had achieved great things in science or learning. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant of Edinburgh and was made a Freeman of the City in 1814. At this time, he lived at 24 St Andrew Square in Edinburgh's New Town.
Gilbert Innes was a big supporter of artists. In 1815, he became a patron for the sculptor Thomas Campbell. He also supported Henry Raeburn, a famous painter who was also a close friend. Gilbert loved music too and helped the Edinburgh violinist Matthew Hardie. He had a beautiful singing voice and sang in the Edinburgh Music Society.
In 1820, he bought the rights to mine coal in southern Edinburgh, near the Drum Estate. This area later became the Seafield Mine.
Gilbert Innes died at his home in St Andrew Square on February 26, 1832, shortly after his 81st birthday. He is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.
Other Important Roles
Gilbert Innes held many other important positions:
- Treasurer of the Highland Society from 1814 to 1832.
- Treasurer of the Pitt Club from 1814 to 1832.
- Manager of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
- Member of the Board of Manufactures.
- Director of the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms.
- Member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
- Member of the Walpole Society.
Gilbert Innes's Family and Fortune
Gilbert Innes never married. When he passed away, he left a huge fortune of over £1 million to his sister, Jane Innes. This was the largest inheritance ever in Scotland at that time. Today, it would be worth around £115 million!
When his sister Jane died in 1839 without a will, many family members tried to claim the fortune. The money and personal belongings eventually went to his nephew, William Mitchell. William was also a Chief Executive at the Royal Bank of Scotland. After inheriting, he became known as William Mitchell-Innes. The land and properties went to Alexander Mitchell, who then became known as Alexander Mitchell-Innes.
William's son, a golfer, was named Gilbert Mitchell-Innes after his very wealthy great-uncle.
