James Mackay, 1st Earl of Inchcape facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Inchcape
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The Earl of Inchcape in 1921
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James Lyle Mackay
11 September 1852 Arbroath, Scotland |
| Died | 23 May 1932 (aged 79) Monte Carlo, Monaco |
| Parents | James Mackay, Deborah Lyle |
| Occupation | Businessman, shipping |
| Known for | Co-founder of Inchcape plc |
James Lyle Mackay, who later became the 1st Earl of Inchcape, was a very important British businessman and government official in India. He was born on September 11, 1852, and passed away on May 23, 1932. He was known as Sir James Mackay for many years before he received his higher titles. He became the head of a huge shipping company called the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). He also started the company that is now known as Inchcape Retail Ltd.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
James Lyle Mackay was the second son in his family, born in Arbroath, Scotland. His father was a successful ship captain, and his mother was Deborah Lyle. When James was just eight years old, his father took him on a trip by ship to Russia. This trip made him very interested in ships and talking to captains.
After school, James worked as a scrivener (someone who copies documents) and then for a company that made ropes and canvas. His boss noticed that James was very ambitious, meaning he had big goals for his future.
A Career in India
When James was twelve, his parents passed away, and he inherited a good amount of money from his father. He invested some of this money in shipping to East India, which gave him a steady income. In 1871, he started working for a company called Gellatly, Hankey and Sewell, which worked with the British-India Steam Navigation Company (BI).
A new shortcut for ships, the Suez Canal, opened in 1869. This made the journey from London to Bombay much shorter, by about 4,000 miles! This led to a huge increase in trade between Europe and India. Because of this, James got a job in Calcutta, India, in 1874, helping with shipping.
India was full of opportunities to export goods like indigo, coal, tea, and iron. James's company, Mackinnon Mackenzie & Co., grew a lot. When another company faced problems, James was able to open a new branch of his company in Bombay. By age 26, he became a partner in the Bombay firm and earned a share of the profits. He really enjoyed his life in Bombay, joining clubs and going on yachting trips.
In 1881, James had to return to Scotland because he got sick with typhoid fever. He was so weak that he had to be carried onto his ship.
By 1914, James was the main senior partner of the company that would later be called Inchcape plc. He also took on important roles in the government of India. He became the President of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce in 1890. He also served on important councils that advised the Viceroy of India and the Secretary of State for India.
The Mackay Treaty
In 1901, James Mackay was chosen by the King of Britain to go to China and talk with Chinese leaders. He arrived in Shanghai in December to start these important discussions. The next year, he and a Chinese statesman named Sheng Xuanhuai worked together to create a special agreement. This agreement was called the Sino-British "Mackay Treaty." It was important because it aimed to end a system called extraterritoriality in China. This system meant that foreigners in China were not subject to Chinese laws.
The treaty was signed on September 5, 1902. For his excellent work on this treaty, James Mackay was given a very high honor. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) by King Edward VII.
Later Achievements and Titles
James Mackay was key in helping India solve its money problems and adopt the Gold Standard, which made its currency more stable. For all his services to business and the country, King George V made him a baron in 1911. This meant he became Baron Inchcape. He chose this title to remember the Inchcape Rock near his hometown in Scotland.
He continued to hold many important positions. He was the Vice-President of the Suez Canal Company, which manages the famous canal. He was also the Chairman of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company ("P&O"), a major shipping company. He also served on the boards of other big companies like the Anglo-Persian Oil Company and the National Provincial Bank.
Over the years, James Mackay received even more honors and higher titles. In 1924, he was made Viscount Inchcape. Then, in 1929, he received his highest title, becoming the Earl of Inchcape.
Death and Legacy
James Mackay passed away on May 23, 1932, while he was on his yacht, the Rover, in Monte Carlo, Monaco. He left a large amount of money, which was about £552,809 in 1932. This would be worth a lot more today!
He was buried in Scotland, near his family home. In his will, he showed his appreciation for the people who worked for him. He left money to the commanders, chief officers, and chief engineers of the P&O and BI ships. He said it was "a slight memento in acknowledgement of your loyalty and fidelity to me."
Family Life
Lord Inchcape married Jean Shanks, a friend from his childhood, in 1883. They had five children together:
- Kenneth Mackay, 2nd Earl of Inchcape (1887–1939). He later became the 2nd Earl.
- Lady Margaret Cargill Mackay (died 1958).
- Lady Janet Lyle Mackay (died 1972).
- Lady Elsie Mackay (around 1893–1928). She was an aviator (pilot), actress, and even designed interiors for P&O ships. She disappeared during an attempt to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Lady Effie Mackay (1895–1984).
See also
- Lord Inchcape
- Rover, Lord Inchcape's luxury yacht built in 1930
