Duncan Dunbar (shipowner)
Scottish ship-owner (1803–1862)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Duncan Dunbar (September 1803 – 6 March 1862) was a Scottish businessman and London-based shipowner who established what was described as the largest shipping line in Great Britain.[1] He was also the first chairman and founder of the London Chartered Bank of Australia.[2]
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Duncan Dunbar II | |
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Duncan Dunbar in January 1862, by Camille Silvy | |
| Born | September 1803 |
| Died | 6 March 1862 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | shipowner |
Early life
Dunbar was born in September 1803 at 7 Fore Street, Limehouse, London, Middlesex. His father, Duncan Dunbar Sr., had moved to London in the 1790s and founded a successful business as a brewer and wine merchant.[1] He settled in Limehouse in the 1790s, establishing his alcohol business at Dunbar Wharf.[1] Dunbar Jr. was 22 when his father died in 1825 and inherited the business with his brother John.[1]
Business
A noted protectionist,[3] Dunbar Jr. possessed the largest sailing fleet in the world in the mid-19th century. Most of his fleets were built in his own shipyard in Moulmein, Burma.[4] He also founded the London Chartered Bank of Australia in 1852.[5]
Death
Dunbar died at his home at Porchester Terrace, Paddington on 6 March 1862[1] and was buried at Highgate Cemetery.[6] Dunbar left £1,500,000 in his will.[1] All 39 of his ships were sold within two years of his death.[1] Dunbar had remained a batchelor and declined several invitations to become a conservative member of parliament; he justified both by being "too busy".[1]
