John Arnott

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Sir John Arnott (1814-1898) was an Irish entrepreneur and a major figure in the commercial and political spheres of late 19th century Cork. He was also founder of the Arnotts department chain.

[edit] Career

Born in Auchtermuchty, Fife in Scotland on 26 July 1814, Arnott arrived in Cork in 1837 to work at Grants of Patrick Street; he later opened his own shop which failed to prosper. After starting a business in Belfast which prospered he returned to Cork and opened a drapery store which he later expanded across Ireland and Britain, including Arnotts in Henry Street, Dublin and in Glasgow (where the name continued until the early 1990s).

He acquired the Irish Times and The Northern Whig newspapers, though he later disposed of the Whig over disputes relating to its editorial policy. His famly retained a connection with the paper until the 1960s, although they had disposed of their interest earlier.

Arnott was elected Lord Mayor of Cork three times, in 1859, 1860 and 1861. He was also Justice of the Peace for Cork City and County, as well as MP for Kinsale between 1859-63. He was elevated to the peerage on 12 February 1896 as 1st. Baronet Arnott of Woodlands, Shandon, Co. Cork.

There is a plaque on St Patrick's Bridge in Cork that commemorates its opening by Sir John on 12/12/1861.