Sir Lawrence Dundas

Sir Lawrence Dundas was born in Scotland in an impoverished branch of the Dundas family, and worked in his father’s drapery shop setting up in business as a merchant contractor. Eventually he enriched himself through contracts to supply troops in Germany during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763).

Dundas spent vast sums of money in order to obtain a seat in parliament as political influence was crucial for gaining the contracts for the army. Although he didn’t succeed in his attempts, he recouped his losses with lucrative contract to supply army in Germany during the Seven Years’ War. That brought him a fortune estimated at between £600,000 and £800,000. Using his wealth, he lent money to the Earl of Shelburne, whose mediation brought him the baronetcy.

He subsequently expanded into banking, property, and was a major backer of the Forth and Clyde Canal which happened to run through his estate. His house in St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, became the headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1825.

Crippled by gout, Dundas died in 1781, leaving a fortune of around £900,000 or over £5.2bn in 2010’s terms.