Gilbert Innes
Gilbert Innes of Stow | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Scotland |
| Died | February 26, 1832 (aged 81) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, antiquarian, arts patron |
| Known for | Deputy Governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland, supporter of the arts during the Scottish Enlightenment |
Gilbert Innes of Stow FRSE DL MWS (7 February 1751 – 26 February 1832) was a prominent Scottish banker, antiquarian, and supporter of the arts during the era of the Scottish Enlightenment. He held the position of Deputy Governor at the Royal Bank of Scotland for nearly four decades and was once referred to as "Scotland's wealthiest commoner." Notably prolific in his personal life, he fathered at least 67 children out of wedlock.
Life
Gilbert Innes was born on 7 February 1751 to Marion Lauder of Huntly Wood and George Innes of Stow, who served as second cashier and later Cashier (equivalent to CEO) of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He was a great-grandson of John Lauder, Lord Fountainhall. Although he attended the University of Edinburgh, he did not complete a degree. Upon his father's passing in 1780, Innes became the sole surviving son and inherited the family estate at Stow near Lauder in the Scottish Borders.
Innes joined the Royal Bank of Scotland's board as a Director in 1787 and played a pivotal role during the financial crises of 1793 and 1797. Additionally, he was a juror in the 1793 sedition trial of Thomas Muir of Huntershill, who was prosecuted for his advocacy of parliamentary reform.
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1800, with notable proposers including John Walker and Sir James Hall. Innes also served as Deputy Lieutenant of Edinburgh and was honored with the Freedom of the City in 1814. His residence was located at 24 St Andrew Square in Edinburgh’s New Town.
From 1815 onward, Innes became a significant patron to artists such as sculptor Thomas Campbell (sculptor) and painter Henry Raeburn, who was also a close associate. A passionate musician himself, he supported violinist Matthew Hardie from Edinburgh and participated as a singer in the Edinburgh Music Society at St Cecilia's Hall.
In 1820, he secured coal mining rights around the Drum Estate near Edinburgh, which later became known as Seafield Mine. After a short illness, Innes passed away on 26 February 1832 at his home on St Andrew Square. He was laid to rest in the Covenanters Prison section of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Other Positions of Note
- Treasurer of the Highland Society (1814–1832)
- Treasurer of the Pitt Club (1814–1832)
- Manager at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
- Board member of Manufactures
- Director at the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms
- Member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
- Member of the Walpole Society
Family
Although Gilbert Innes never married, he is reputed to have fathered 67 illegitimate children. At his death, he left an estate valued at over £1 million—the largest inheritance recorded in Scotland at that time, roughly equivalent to £115 million today—to his sister Jane Innes. When Jane died childless and without a will in 1839, legal disputes arose among his illegitimate heirs regarding the estate. The personal property passed to his nephew William Mitchell, who served as Chief Executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland from 1814 to 1825 and adopted the surname Mitchell-Innes. Meanwhile, real estate holdings were inherited by Alexander Mitchell, Jane’s legal heir, who also took on the name Mitchell-Innes.
William’s son was golfer Gilbert Mitchell-Innes, named after his wealthy great-uncle. One of Gilbert Innes’s illegitimate daughters, Elizabeth Burnet Innes, married John Dewar FRSE, who was a junior colleague.