Sir James Shaw, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir James Shaw, 1st Baronet (born August 26, 1764 – died October 22, 1843), was an important person who became the Lord Mayor of London in 1805. He started from a simple farming family in Ayrshire, Scotland. He grew up to be a very successful businessman and politician.
Sir James Shaw was even related to the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. He used his money to help Burns's children after the poet passed away. As Lord Mayor, he had the important job of leading the funeral parade for Lord Nelson in 1806. He was given the special title of baronet twice, in 1809 and 1813. Later in his life, as the Chamberlain of London, he almost lost all his money because of some bad investments, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing before he died in 1843.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps
Sir James Shaw was born on August 26, 1764, in a place called Riccarton, near Kilmarnock, Scotland. His father, John Shaw, was a farmer whose family had lived and farmed in the area for over 300 years.
When his father died, James and his family moved to Kilmarnock. There, he went to the local grammar school to get his education.
Starting a Career Abroad
When James was 17, he traveled to America to find work, following his older brother. After three years, he came back to London. He got a job in the same company's London office and quickly became a junior partner.
He became a very rich merchant. He used his wealth to help the children of the famous poet Robert Burns after Burns died in 1796. This showed his kind and generous nature.
Becoming a City Leader
Sir James Shaw started his journey in city government. In 1798, he was chosen as an alderman for a part of London called Portsoken. An alderman is like a senior member of the city council.
Then, in 1803, he became the Sheriff of London and Middlesex. The Sheriff was an important official responsible for law and order in the city.
Leading London as Lord Mayor
Sir James Shaw was known as a "gentleman and a citizen." This meant he was respected and well-liked by the people of London. The Worshipful Company of Scriveners, a group of writers and clerks, supported him for the job of Lord Mayor of London. He was only the second person from that group to ever become Lord Mayor.
Nelson's Funeral Procession
Sir James Shaw became Lord Mayor in 1805. He wanted to bring back an old tradition. This tradition said that the Lord Mayor should lead public parades in the City of London, ahead of everyone except the King or Queen.
He got his chance during the funeral of Lord Nelson in 1806. Nelson was a famous naval hero who had died in battle. The Prince Regent (who would later become King George IV) was going to be at the funeral.
Shaw talked to the Prime Minister, Lord Liverpool, about the tradition. Lord Liverpool didn't seem to want to do anything about it. So, Shaw offered to go and talk to the King himself at Windsor Castle.
The next day, a special document called the Royal Warrant of Precedence was given. This document officially gave the Lord Mayor the right to lead the procession. So, Sir James Shaw proudly led Lord Nelson's funeral parade.
Special Titles and Later Years
In 1809, King George III gave Sir James Shaw the special title of Baronet. This title meant he was a knight, and it was passed down through his family. He was given the title again in 1813, but this time it was arranged so his nephew could inherit it later.
Serving in Parliament
After becoming a baronet, Sir James Shaw was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for London. He served in Parliament until 1818. After that, he continued to serve as an alderman until he retired in May 1843.
Chamberlain of London
In 1831, he was also made the Chamberlain of London. This was another important job, managing the city's money. However, he almost lost all his own money. He accidentally invested a huge sum, £40,000, of city funds in fake government bonds.
When he found out his mistake, he immediately started selling all his property to pay the money back. But a special investigation cleared his name. They found that he had made an honest mistake and was not trying to do anything wrong.
Sir James Shaw retired from all his jobs in 1843 because he was very ill. He passed away about six months later, on October 22. He never married, so his baronet title would normally have ended with him. But because of the second special document, the title passed to his nephew, John Shaw.
Sir James Shaw also served as President of St Bartholomew's Hospital from 1806 to 1831. He was also President of the Honourable Artillery Company from 1829 to 1843.
Remembering Sir James Shaw
Sir James Shaw is remembered in his hometown of Kilmarnock, Scotland. There is a tall statue of him in the town center. It is made of white marble and stands about 17 feet high on a granite base.
A sculptor named James Fillans created the statue. People raised almost £1000 to pay for it. The statue was officially revealed on August 4, 1848. It was first placed at a spot called Kilmarnock Cross.
However, on March 28, 1929, the statue was moved. It was moved to the area near The Dick Institute because there was too much traffic around the town center.
The statue was described as
... a noble work of art, worthy of the creative genius of the sculptor, Mr. Fillans, and no less worthy of the venerable baronet whom it commemorates, and of whom, we believe, it is a faithful likeness. In symmetry of form it is truly admirable. The mild, benevolent features of Sir James are finely developed ; and, as a whole, it is replete with that seeming animation and intellectual expression which mark the superior powers of the sculptor, and give to the object itself a high and permanent interest.
His portrait (shown at the top of this article) can also be seen in the Guildhall, London, an important building in the City of London.
See also
- Shaw Baronets
