Duncan Dunbar (shipowner)
Duncan Dunbar II | |
|---|---|
Duncan Dunbar in January 1862, by Camille Silvy | |
| Born | September 1803 |
| Died | 6 March 1862 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | shipowner |
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]
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]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Dunbar-Nasmith, David. "Duncan Dunbar and his Ships". On Duncan Dunbar I and II. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
- ^ "London Chartered Bank". Sydney Architecture. Archived from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
- ^ "Launch of the "Vimiera,"". The Illustrated London News. 28 June 1851. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Lincelles 1862". Royal Sappers and Miners in Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
- ^ "Former London Chartered Bank". Victorian Heritage Council. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
- ^ Dunbar, Duncan. "Highgate Cemetery". Burial Grounds. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
External links
- Media related to Duncan Dunbar (junior) at Wikimedia Commons