Charles Lawson (nurseryman)
Charles Lawson of Borthwick Hall (1795–1873) was a Scottish nurseryman and merchant, noted for the introduction of foreign crops into the United Kingdom.[1] He served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1862 to 1865.[2]
Charles Lawson of Borthwick Hall | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1795 |
| Died | 1873 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Alma mater | Edinburgh High School Edinburgh University |
| Occupation(s) | nurseryman merchant |
| Spouse | Patricia Grant |
| Parents |
|
Life
He was born in Edinburgh, son of the seed merchant Peter Lawson and his wife Patricia Grant. The family live at 19 Blair Street, a street joining the Royal Mile to the Cowgate.[3]
He was educated at Edinburgh High School and Edinburgh University. His father died in 1821, and Charles then took over the family business Peter Lawson & Son.[1]
In Edinburgh he lived at 35 George Square. In 1851 he purchased Borthwick Hall near Gorebridge in Midlothian.[4]
He was connected to the huge Lawson-Donaldson Seed Warehouse off the Shore in Leith.
Successful on a national scale, Lawson became a specialist in grass seeds and conifers. The Cupressus lawsoniana was named after him.[1] Went spectacularly bankrupt by 1873 after unwise investment in guano from San Domingo. [1]
Artistic recognition
He was portrayed in office by John Graham Gilbert.[5]
Notes
- Curthoys, M. C. "Lawson, Charles". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/96787. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- Grants Old and New Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1800
- Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1850
- "Charles Lawson of Borthwick Hall (D.1874), Lord Provost of Edinburgh (1862–1865) | Art UK".