John Woolmore facts for kids

Sir John Woolmore (born 1755, died 1837) was an important English sailor and businessman. He was the chairman of the East India Docks Company, which managed docks for ships. He also served as a leader at Trinity House, an organization that helps keep ships safe. For a short time, he was even a Member of Parliament.

Early Life and Sea Voyages

John Woolmore was born in Whitechapel, England. When he was 12 years old, in 1768, he traveled to India. He sailed on a ship called the Granby, which belonged to the East India Company. He returned to England two years later, in 1770.

After that, he joined the East India Company's Marine Service. This was like their navy and merchant fleet. He worked as a midshipman on ships like the Duke of Richmond and Stormont. A midshipman was a junior officer in training. Later, he became a second mate on the Earl of Chesterfield. A second mate is an officer who helps the captain navigate and manage the ship.

From 1774 to 1777, he was a second mate on the ship Harcourt. This ship traded goods to America. His brother also worked on the Harcourt as a third mate. In December 1778, John Woolmore married his first wife, Margaret Wickham.

He continued his sea career. From 1779 to 1781, he was a third mate on the East India Company ship Earl Talbot. After that, he became a second mate on the Earl of Chesterfield again in 1781.

Becoming a Shipowner

In 1782, Woolmore stayed in India. He became the captain of a "country ship." This was a privately owned merchant ship that traded within Asia. He then became a part-owner and commander of a ship. This ship traded between India, Malaya, and China.

From 1788 to 1791, he made two trips between England and China. He was the captain of the Earl Talbot during these voyages. His first wife passed away in December 1788. In January 1790, Woolmore married his second wife, Harriet Turner. She was the daughter of John Turner and the sister of Charles Hampden Turner.

Woolmore eventually owned or partly owned seven merchant ships. These ships traded in the East Indies. Some of their names were Earl of Wycombe, Earl Howe, and Admiral Gardner. He also partnered with Sir Robert Wigram. He also joined a business with his brother-in-law Charles Hampden-Turner and Joseph Huddart. This company made rope and cordage (thick ropes). By 1813, he had sold his shares in East India shipping and the East India Company.

Leadership Roles in Shipping and Trade

John Woolmore held important positions in several organizations. He was the deputy chairman of the East India Docks Company for many years. He served from 1803 to 1819, then from 1822 to 1824, and again from 1827 to 1892. He was also the acting chairman in 1826–7, 1830–1, and 1834–5. A street in Poplar, London, called Woolmore Street, is named after him. It is near the docks he helped manage.

In 1803, he became an elder of Trinity House. This organization is responsible for lighthouse services and pilotage in England. From 1825 to 1834, he was the deputy master of Trinity House. He also became a director of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation in 1811. In 1830, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers.

Serving as a Member of Parliament

From 1806 to 1807, John Woolmore was a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the country's government. He represented the area of Westbury, Wiltshire. He bought his seat from the people who managed the property of the Earl of Abingdon. In the 1807 general election, he tried to become an MP for St Ives but was not successful.

Later Life and Legacy

John Woolmore was a friend of King William IV of the United Kingdom. In March 1834, he was made a knight. Later that year, he became a Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order (KCH).

He left most of his property to his wife and her brother. It is not known if he had any children. People say that he was one of the last men in London society to wear a pigtail, which was a hairstyle where hair was tied at the back.