Joseph Herbert Tritton
Joseph Herbert Tritton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Olney Lodge, Battersea, Surrey, England |
| Died | September 11, 1923 (aged 79) Lyons Hall, Great Leighs, Essex, England |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | Partner at Barclay, Bevan, Tritton & Co. (later Barclays Bank); Chairman of General Steam Navigation Company; President of Institute of Bankers and London Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of Indo-European Telegraph Company |
Joseph Herbert Tritton (also known as J. Herbert Tritton) (1844–1923) was a prominent English banker.
Early life
Tritton was born on 5 September 1844 at Olney Lodge in Battersea, which was part of Surrey at the time but is now within London. He was the son of Joseph Tritton (1819–1887), a Quaker banker, and Amelia Hanson from Brixton. His education included attendance at Windlesham House School followed by Rugby School. Rather than pursuing university studies, he chose to undertake travel abroad. Subsequently, he joined Barclay, Bevan, Tritton & Co., where his father held a partnership.
Career
Following five years of experience at the bank, Tritton advanced to become a partner in Barclay, Bevan, Tritton & Co., the institution that eventually evolved into Barclays Bank. He remained a member of Barclays' board until his retirement in 1918.
Tritton was instrumental in establishing the Institute of Bankers and served as its President on two occasions, playing a key role in promoting education and professional standards within banking. His involvement extended to positions on the Council of Foreign Bondholders and as honorary secretary for the London Clearing Bankers.
In 1882, he contributed to the foundation of the London Chamber of Commerce and later assumed its presidency. Additionally, he chaired the Indo-European Telegraph Company, known today as Siemens Communications.
At just 30 years old in 1874, Tritton took on the chairmanship of the General Steam Navigation Company (GSN), despite having limited expertise in shipping. During his tenure, he spearheaded efforts to increase capital and modernize the fleet. However, he stepped down in 1892 following financial difficulties that nearly led to collapse. His successor, Richard White, successfully revitalized the company’s prospects. It is noteworthy that Tritton’s obituary did not reference his leadership role at GSN.
Honours
In 1890, Tritton was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was also awarded the Order of the Lion and the Sun.
Personal life
On 17 June 1867, he married Lucy Jane Smith, daughter of Henry Abel Smith, a banker from Wilford, Nottingham. The couple had nine children: five sons—including banker Herbert Leslie Melville Tritton—and four daughters.
Family history
His family lineage was documented in Tritton: the Place and the Family, published in 1907, which includes an extensive pedigree.
Death
Tritton passed away on 11 September 1923 at his residence, Lyons Hall, located in Great Leighs, Essex.