Brook Watson

Born in Plymouth, Devon, Watson was orphaned at age of six and sent to Boston, Massachusetts to live with his uncle, a West India merchant. By the age of 14, young Watson already participated in the trading voyages of his uncle. Around that time he was attacked by a shark while he was swimming in Havana harbor and he remained without leg. On his return to Boston he found out that his uncle went bankrupt and that he need to find a new employment. In the period that followed Watson managed to overcome his handicap and to become a distinguished soldier.

By 1772, Watson had returned to England as a merchant, and became active in business affairs in London, Montreal and Boston, and in other places. He was part of the original committee of Lloyd’s of London, an insurance market, later becoming Lloyd’s Chairman. He was also the first Chairman of the Patriotic Fund, established in 1803 with the aim to help servicemen and their families.

During his lifetime, Watson combined his mercantile affairs with the public offices. Therefore, he served as an MP for the City of London, Lord Mayor of London and ended his career as a director of the Bank of England.