The Wilson Family
#SUBHEADING#The Baccarat Scandal#SUBHEADINGEND# The Wilson family are often remembered for having been host to the future Edward VII during Doncaster Race Week in September 1890. During his stay at the Wilson's home at Tranby Croft in Anlaby the Prince of Wales and his guests partook of a game of baccarat. This was a simple card game previously banned at Tranby Croft by Arthur Wilson. The game led to the accusation that Lieutenant Colonel Sir William Gordon-Cumming had been cheating, an unforgivable and un-gentlemanly sin. Lt Col Gordon-Cumming was a highly respected member of the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guard and a close friend of the Prince. The resulting trial in which Lt. Col. Gordon-Cumming sought damages for slander resulted in a lot of damning press coverage and the Prince of Wales himself was called to the dock. Forever associated with this infamous 'Baccarat Scandal', the family deserves more recognition for their hugely successful business, the Wilson Shipping Line Company. #IMAGE# #SUBHEADING#Thomas Wilson and the Wilson Shipping Line#SUBHEADINGEND# The firm was founded in Hull by Thomas Wilson, who bought his first ship in 1825. Thomas Wilson (1792-1869) began business in the Swedish iron ore trade before founding the Wilson Shipping Line Company. He was a devout church goer and philanthropist, giving generously to the welfare of his home town of Hull. He married Susannah West in 1814 and they had fifteen children. The company prospered under Thomas Wilson's sons, Charles Henry and Arthur. By the early twentieth century it had become the largest privately owned shipping company in the world with over 100 ships sailing to destinations around the world. The company was sold in 1916 to Sir John Reeves Ellerman, reputedly the richest man in Britain at the time. #SUBHEADING#Charles Henry Wilson#SUBHEADINGEND# Charles Henry Wilson (1833-1907) was the son of Thomas Wilson. He worked hard with his brother, Arthur, to make the Wilson Shipping Line the success it was. During his father's youth Hull Docks had covered an area of around five acres. By the end of Charles Henry Wilson's life Hull Docks covered over 150 acres. This expansion was significantly contributed to by the Wilson family. As the business grew it was able to buy out other shipping lines and by 1907 the Wilson Shipping Line owned 99 ships. Charles Henry was also Sheriff of Kingston upon Hull in 1870 and represented the town as Liberal MP from 1874-1885. He went on to become a peer in the House of Lords and took the title of 1st Lord Nunburnholme from the village near his home at Water Priory. Unlike his brother Arthur, Charles wasn't interested in developing his social standing in high society and never entertained during the race week at Doncaster. His interests seem to have been centred on politics and business and he was instrumental in dealing with increasing business problems with the dock worker's unions. Despite his gruff exterior, Charles Henry Wilson had a very human side. During a strike at Hull docks in 1893 he generously subscribed to a fund for striker's wives and children, saying he '...could not bear to see little children suffer'. #IMAGE# On 27th October 1907 Charles Henry Wilson died unexpectedly. His brother Arthur suffered greatly from the personal and professional loss. A statue of Charles Henry Wilson still stands on a traffic island, outside of the main entrance to the Guildhall. #SUBHEADING#Arthur Wilson#SUBHEADINGEND# Arthur Wilson (1836-1909) was the youngest son of Thomas Wilson, yet with his brother Charles Henry he made the Wilson Shipping Line an international success. All of Thomas Wilson's sons worked in the firm as young men but by Thomas' death, Charles Henry and Arthur were the ones to succeed him. This marked his entry into aristocratic society and he went on to acquire 3000 acres of land in the East Riding of Yorkshire. He was truly accepted by 'high society' when he became the Master of the Holderness Hunt. Being 'Master of the Hunt' was an expensive role but one that led to him meeting the Prince of Wales. This in turn led to the Prince staying at Tranby Croft in September 1890, with the resulting 'Baccarat Scandal'. Arthur Wilson, the last surviving son of Thomas Wilson, died aged 72 in 1909. On the day of his death the large bell at Holy Trinity Church in Hull was rung for an hour and an half. This marked the end of an era. The Wilson Shipping Line was to suffer during the First World War and was sold in 1916.
