James Watney
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James Watney (18 December 1800–1884) was a brewer and landowner who resided at Haling Park, Croydon, and Beddington, Surrey. He was born to Daniel Watney (1771-1831) of Mitcham, Surrey. He was the grandson of John Watney (1747-1814) and great-grandson of Daniel Watney (1705-1780) of Wimbledon, Surrey.
[edit] Professional life
The Watney family were the main partners in the Stag Brewery of Pimlico for much of the 19th century. In 1837 James Watney became a partner in the brewery, as did his sons James and Norman in 1856. On his death in 1884 the brewery became a public limited company.
In 1898 it acquired Messrs. Coombe Delafield and Co. and Messrs. Reid and Co., and was thereafter known at Messrs. Watney Combe and Reid. Watney Mann was formed in 1958 with the merger of Watney, Coombe, Reid & Co. Ltd with Mann, Crossman & Paulin Ltd. This business merged with Grand Metropolitan Hotels in 1972.
James Watney was Master of the Mercers' Company in 1846.
[edit] Family life
On 15 October 1829, at St. Saviour's Church, Southwark (now Southwark Cathedral), James Watney married Rebecca Spurrell, elder daughter of the brewer and hop merchant James Spurrell, of Park Street, Southwark.
They had nine children. All five daughters remained unmarried. Of the four sons, one (Frederick) died young, aged 8 in 1846. The other three were:
- James Watney (1832-1886) of Beddington, Surrey, and Thorney House, Palace Gate, Kensington, was MP for East Surrey from 1871-1885 and Master of the Mercers' Company in 1879. He also played cricket for Surrey (1851) and Middlesex (1851-1852). Married Blanche Maria Georgiana Burrell in 1856.
- Norman Watney (1834-1911) of Valance, Westerham, Kent, was educated at Harrow. He was a Justice of the Peace and a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent, and served as Master of the Mercers' Company in 1880. Married Matilda Jane Robinson on 26 April 1866 at Clitheroe, Lancashire.
- Herbert Watney (1843-1932) of Buckhold, Pangbourne, Berkshire (now St. Andrew's School), was educated at Rugby and St. John's College, Cambridge. He was Senior Assistant Physician at St. George's Hospital, London and Master of the Mercers' Company in 1915. Married Sarah Louisa Rainsford on 22 January 1873 at All Saints Church, Wandsworth, Surrey.
