James Gunter facts for kids

James Gunter (born 1731 – died 1819) was a smart English businessman. He was a baker, a gardener, and someone who built homes. He started a big project that created many houses in West London. This area is now known as the "Redcliffe Estate" and The Boltons.

Gunter's Business Journey

James Gunter became a partner in a famous sweet shop in 1777. The shop was in Berkeley Square, a well-known part of London. It was called the Pot and Pine Apple.

Serving Royalty and Growing a Reputation

By the early 1800s, Gunter's sweet shop was very successful. Even members of the royal family, like the Prince of Wales, visited his shop often. He had served them since they were children. In 1805, Gunter was asked to organize all the food and sweets for a huge five-day event. This event was for the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Clarence at a grand house called Stowe.

His shop was even mentioned in a famous book called the Epicure's Almanack in 1815. The book said that Mr. Gunter was a top cook, sweet maker, and fruit seller. It also mentioned that the royal family often visited his shop to taste his delicious pineapples.

From Sweets to Strawberries: Gunter's Farms

James Gunter decided to grow his own fruits. He wanted to make sure his shop always had the best ingredients. He started his own farms and market gardens. He grew huge amounts of strawberries, raspberries, and apricots. These fresh fruits were used to make ice creams and creams in summer. They were also preserved as jellies and jams for winter.

Building Homes: The Redcliffe Estate

Gunter first bought land in the Earl's Court area in 1797. This area was perfect for market gardens. He bought more land in 1799. He also bought Earls Court Lodge, which became his family home for 60 years. By 1799, he also owned Gunter's Tea Shop. This tea shop became a very popular meeting place in London. His family home, Earls Court Lodge, was even known as 'currant jelly hall' by local children because of the delicious fruit jellies served there.

In 1805, Gunter bought more land where Coleherne Road and Redcliffe Square are today. By 1807, he bought even more land. He also bought a large plot from William Boulton. On this land, his son Robert I Gunter started building The Boltons in 1850. The Boltons is still a very fancy residential area today. James Gunter started building villas (large houses) on his property between 1808 and 1810. These were around Earls Court Road and Old Brompton Road.

Gunter's Family and Legacy

James Gunter had a son named Robert I Gunter (who died in 1852). Robert inherited his father's properties. He bought even more land. In 1850, he began building the exclusive area known as "The Boltons." Robert married Fanny Thompson. They had two sons who continued to develop the "Redcliffe Estate." This included areas like Redcliffe Gardens and Redcliffe Square.

The Next Generation of Developers

• Sir Robert Gunter, 1st Baronet (1831–1905) was the older son. He became an officer in the army and fought in the Crimean War. Later, he became a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent people in the country's government. He shared his inherited land with his younger brother. He developed the property a lot, especially after the railway came to West Brompton.
• James II Gunter (born 1833) was the younger son. He also served in the army during the Crimean War. He inherited more land from his father. Together with his brother, he helped develop the Redcliffe Estate.

Gunter's Passing

James Gunter passed away in 1819 in Worthing, Sussex. He was buried in the churchyard of St Mary Abbots, Kensington.