John Thomas Barber Beaumont facts for kids
John Thomas Barber Beaumont (1774–1841) was a talented British man who did many things! He was an army officer, a painter, a writer, and someone who helped others (a philanthropist). He was very good at the insurance business and even planned to start a new settlement in South America.
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About John Thomas Barber Beaumont
John Thomas Barber was born on December 21, 1774, in London. In 1812, he added "Beaumont" to his name. People often called him "Barber Beaumont."
A Talented Artist
Barber Beaumont was a skilled painter. He mostly painted historical scenes and small portraits called miniatures. His artwork was shown at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He even became the miniature painter for the Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV of Great Britain. One of his students was Henry Thomas Alken.
Leading a Rifle Corps
In 1803, when Napoleon seemed ready to invade England, Beaumont created a special army group. It was a rifle corps called The Duke of Cumberland's Sharp Shooters. His soldiers were known for being amazing shots. Once, in Hyde Park, London, he held a target while his corps shot at it from far away. In 1835, this group changed its name to the Royal Victoria Rifle Club. Later, it became the Queen Victoria's Rifles.
Success in Business
Beaumont started the Provident Institution and Savings Bank in 1806. In 1807, he founded two important insurance companies: the County Fire Office and the Provident Life insurance office. He had a big business rivalry with Thomas Bignold of Norwich Union.
Beaumont supported Caroline of Brunswick in her disagreement with King George IV. He decorated his County Fire office to celebrate her small victory in 1820. He also helped expose a dishonest insurance company called the West Middlesex.
Beaumont was interested in South America and its independence. He helped set up the Rio de La Plata Agricultural Association. In 1825, some British people moved to what is now Argentina. However, a war made it hard for the settlement to grow. His son, John Augustus Barber Beaumont, wrote a book about the colonists' struggles.
In 1825, Beaumont won a case against the Board of Stamps. They had accused his company of not paying enough taxes. In 1835, he started another savings bank in London's Covent Garden area.
Later Life and Death
Beaumont was a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Geological Society. He passed away on May 15, 1841, at his home in Regent Street.
His Published Works
In 1802, Beaumont published a book with pictures called Tour throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire. The next year, in 1803, he wrote articles about sharpshooters and defense. He also started a newspaper called the Weekly Register.
Later, in 1816, he wrote an essay about "Provident or Parish Banks." In 1821, he published an "Essay on Criminal Jurisprudence."
Lasting Legacy
In 1839–40, Beaumont founded the Beaumont Philosophical Institution. It was in Beaumont Square in London's Borough of Tower Hamlets. This institution was created to help and entertain people in the area. It opened on October 29, 1840. The Institution had a museum, a reading room, and a chapel. When Beaumont died in 1841, he left money to keep it going.
The Institution was managed by the Beaumont Trust. It closed in its first form in 1879. Its replacement, the People's Palace, opened in 1887. It was built by the Trust and later became part of East London College. After a fire in 1931, the New People's Palace was built and opened in 1937. Part of the original building is now called the Queens' Building.
Over time, the Institution helped lead to the creation of Queen Mary, University of London. This university now has a special position called the Barber Beaumont Chair of Humanities.
His Family
Beaumont's family includes the ruling family of Sark. One of his grandsons was William Spencer Beaumont. He wrote a private book about his grandfather's life in 1887. Beaumont's great-grandson was Dudley Beaumont. He married Sibyl Collings, who later became the Dame of Sark. Beaumont's great-great-great grandson is Christopher Beaumont, the current leader of Sark.
