Richard Twining (tea merchant, born 1749) facts for kids
Richard Twining (born 1749, died 1824) was an important English merchant. He was a leader of the famous Twinings tea company in Strand, London. He also served as a director for the powerful East India Company.
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Richard Twining's Early Life
Richard Twining was born in 1749 at Devereux Court in London. He was one of three sons of Daniel Twining. His mother was Mary Twining. Richard went to school at Eton College.
When he was just 14 years old, Richard started working in the Twinings tea business. This was in 1763, after his father passed away. He worked with his mother to manage the company.
Leading the Tea Business
By 1782, Richard Twining took over as the main manager of the Twinings tea business. Later, his brother John joined him.
Richard played a big part in changing the tea trade in England. This happened because of a new law called the Commutation Act (1784–1786). This law helped make tea more affordable. The Prime Minister at the time, William Pitt the Younger, often asked Richard for his advice on tea.
His Role at the East India Company
In 1793, Richard Twining was chosen to be a director of the East India Company. This company was very powerful and traded goods from India.
Richard had written several papers about the company's tea trade. One of the first things he did as a director was to suggest a rule. This rule stopped directors from trading with India themselves. He was very active in the company's decisions until he retired in 1816 due to poor health.
A Traveler and Family Man
Richard Twining loved to travel. He went on trips around Europe and England. He wrote about his adventures in journals and letters. His grandson later published some of these writings in a book.
Richard Twining passed away on April 23, 1824.
He married Mary Aldred in 1771. They had six sons and four daughters. His oldest son, also named Richard Twining (1772–1857), followed in his footsteps.
The Next Generation of Twinings
Richard Twining's eldest son, Richard Twining (born 1772), also became a tea merchant. He started working in the family business in 1794. He was also a respected scholar. He was a member of the Royal Society of Arts and a Fellow of the Royal Society.
This younger Richard Twining married Elizabeth Mary Smythies. They had nine children. Their oldest son, another Richard, took over the family business after them. He also helped publish his grandfather's old letters.
