Peter Laurie facts for kids
Sir Peter Laurie (born March 3, 1778 – died December 3, 1861) was an important British politician. He served as the Lord Mayor of London, a very high position in the city's government.
He was chosen as the Sheriff of the City of London in 1823 and became Lord Mayor in 1832. Sir Peter was also the Chairman of the Union Bank of London from 1838 until he passed away. Besides his political roles, he was a saddler, making saddles for the Indian army. He also wrote two books about making prisons better. He received the title of 'Sir' (knighted) in 1824 and is buried in Highgate Cemetery.
Contents
Sir Peter Laurie's Life Story
Early Years and Learning
Sir Peter Laurie was born on March 3, 1778, in Stitchell, Roxburghshire. His father, John Laurie, was a farmer and landowner. Peter was first meant to become a minister in the church of Scotland. He learned Latin at Haddington Grammar School. When he was 12, he left home after his mother died and he had disagreements with his stepmother. He joined his brother in Jedburgh and later moved to Edinburgh. In both places, he learned the trade of a saddler.
Building a Business and Career
Peter Laurie came to London as a young man to find his way. He started as a clerk for John Jack, whose daughter Margaret he later married. He then opened his own saddlery business. He became a major supplier of saddles for the Indian army, which helped him become very successful. By 1820, he brought his sons into the business, and he retired from it in 1827.
Public Service in London
Sir Peter Laurie was very active in public life. In 1823, he served as the Sheriff of London. He was knighted in 1824, meaning he became "Sir Peter Laurie." In 1826, he was chosen as an alderman for the Aldersgate area. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1832. He was also the head of the Saddlers' Company in 1833.
Working for Social Change
Throughout his time as Lord Mayor and in public life, Sir Peter Laurie worked hard to improve society. He was known as a good judge. He helped make meetings of the city's magistrates and aldermen open to the public. This meant people could see what was happening in their government. He was also the president of Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospitals, which cared for people. He was a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant for Westminster and Middlesex.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Peter Laurie was the chairman of the Union Bank from 1839 until he died. He passed away on December 3, 1861, at his home in Park Square, London, due to old age. He was buried in Highgate Cemetery on December 10. Sir Peter Laurie did not have any children, and his wife passed away in 1847.
He was known for his efforts to improve the justice system. For example, in 1855, he helped make sure that people who committed large-scale frauds were brought to justice. He also supported art and Christian missions.
Portraits of Sir Peter Laurie
There are several pictures of Sir Peter Laurie. One is a special print made by James Scott from a painting by Thomas Philipps in 1839. Another print was made by F. Cruikshank. A painting of him, given by the Saddlers' Company, hangs in Saddlers' Hall. There is also a painting by John Phillip in John Muir House in Haddington.
See also
- The Chimes, a story by Charles Dickens that makes fun of some of Laurie's political ideas.
