Philip John Miles
Philip John Miles | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1773-03-01 Bristol, England |
| Died | 1845-03-24 |
| Occupation(s) | Landowner, slave proprietor, merchant, shipowner, banker, politician |
| Years active | Early 19th century |
| Known for | Banking ventures linked to slave ownership; Member of Parliament for Westbury, Corfe Castle, Bristol; Bristol’s earliest documented millionaire |
Philip John Miles (1773–1845) was a prominent English figure from Bristol, known as a landowner, slave proprietor, merchant, shipowner, banker, and politician. His banking ventures linked him to the register of slave owners in Jamaica, where he appeared as a mortgagee in possession following the repossession of plantations due to owners defaulting on mortgages. At his death, his estate was valued at over £1.2 million, which corresponds to approximately £1.75 billion in 2023 GDP per capita terms, establishing him as Bristol’s earliest documented millionaire.
Life
Miles was born on 1 March 1773 as the second son and sole surviving child of William Miles (1728–1803), a Bristol-based West India merchant, and Sarah Berrow. He succeeded to his father’s estate in 1803 after the premature death of his elder brother.
He held a partnership in Miles Bank of Bristol and subsequently in Miles, Harford & Co, entities that eventually merged into NatWest. Between 1814 and 1818, he undertook the reconstruction of Leigh Court at Abbots Leigh. His extensive real estate holdings included properties such as Kings Weston House, The Manor House at Walton-in-Gordano, Walton Castle, Cardigan Priory, and Underdown in Herefordshire, reflecting his family's regional heritage.
Politically, Miles represented several constituencies: he was Member of Parliament for Westbury in 1820, for Corfe Castle in 1829, and for Bristol beginning in 1835. Following the Slave Compensation Act 1837, he obtained compensation related to more than 2,000 freed slaves on estates located in Jamaica and Trinidad. His social affiliations included membership in prestigious clubs such as White's, Arthur's, the Carlton, the Union Club, and he was among the founding members of the Athenaeum.
Philip John Miles passed away on 24 March 1845. John Benett, a close associate, described him as "a sensible and prudent man; highly honest in all his mercantile dealings... a kind husband, father and master... liberal in money matters." The Bristol Mercury highlighted his modest demeanor and generosity, praising his genuine integrity.
Family
Miles was married twice:
- In 1795 to Maria Whetham (1776–1811), daughter of John Whetham;
- In 1813 to Clarissa Peach (1790–1868), daughter of Samuel Peach Peach.
From his first marriage came one son and four daughters:
- Sir William Miles, 1st Baronet
- Sarah Agatha Miles (1799–1830)
- Maria Miles (1804–1822)
- Elizabeth Miles (1806–1853)
- Milicent Miles (1808–1867)
His second marriage produced seven sons and four daughters:
- Philip William Skinner Miles (1816–1881), father of Philip Napier Miles
- John William Miles (1817–1878), who remained unmarried and resided with siblings Henry Cruger Miles and Clarissa Philippa Miles at Penpole House
- Robert Henry William Miles (1818–1883), father to both Frank Miles and Robert Miles (cricketer)
- George Frederick William Miles (1820–1886)
- Ellen Octavia Miles (born 1821)
- Charles William Miles (1823–1892)
- Sybilla Mary Miles (1827–1889)
- Edward Peach William Miles (1829–1889), married Olivia Caroline Cave; he is an ancestor of Peter Miles (courtier)
- Henry Cruger William Miles (1832–1888), who served as High Sheriff of Bristol in 1866 and died unmarried
- Marianne Adelaide Miles (born 1834), spouse of General Patrick MacDougall, Commander of British Troops in Canada
- Clarissa Philippa Miles (1838–1892), unmarried; lived with brothers Henry Cruger and John William at Penpole House