James Watney Jr

James Watney Jr.
Born
Died	November 2, 1886(1886-11-02) (aged 54)
Occupation(s)	Brewer, politician
Years active	1856–1886
Known for	Member of Parliament for East Surrey, partner in Watney & Co.

James Watney Jr. (19 May 1832 – 2 November 1886) was a prominent member of the Watney family brewery enterprise and represented East Surrey as a Conservative MP.

Family and early life

Watney, born in 1832, was the eldest child of brewer James Watney and Rebecca Spurrell. His youngest sibling was the medical doctor Herbert Watney.

In 1851, he participated in first-class cricket, playing for both Surrey and the Marylebone Cricket Club between 1851 and 1852.

On 8 July 1856, he wed Blanche Maria Georgiana Burrell. Their residences included Haling Park in Croydon, Beddington in Surrey, and Thorney House located in Palace Gate, Kensington. The couple had three offspring: Florence Blanche Watney (1857–1863), Vernon James Watney (1860–1928), and Claude Watney (1868–1919).

Business and political career

In 1856, James Watney Jr. and his brother Norman became partners alongside their father in the Stag Brewery situated in Pimlico. At that time, the company operated under the name Elliot, Watney & Co., which was changed to James Watney & Co. in 1858 following the retirement of John Lettsom Elliott. Day-to-day operations were predominantly overseen by their father until his passing in 1884; a year later, the business was incorporated as Watney & Co. Ltd., a private limited company.

Watney secured the East Surrey seat as a Conservative during the 1871 by-election, taking over a seat previously held by brewer MP Charles Buxton, who was affiliated with the Liberal Party. He maintained his position until the dissolution of the constituency in 1885 and was notably active within Parliament from 1872 through 1882.

Additionally, he held the prestigious role of Master of the Mercers' Company in 1879.

James Watney Jr. passed away on 2 November 1886 at Englemere House, Ascot. His estate was valued at approximately £1,309,245 as recorded in 1896. His interment at Brookwood Cemetery attracted numerous attendees, including employees from the Stag Brewery. His widow died in 1915.