Edinburgh can justifiably be called a special city within Scotland. Its distinction isn’t just a matter of being the capital; it is a status forged by history and evident in almost every aspect of the city. It has been a cradle for new styles, genres, techniques, and trends across various fields, from fashion to the fine arts. More at edinburgh1.one.
However, it is vital to recognise Edinburgh as an economic powerhouse. To put it simply, it has always been a city where money circulates. Naturally, it has also been home to a great number of wealthy individuals, the precursors to today’s major businesspeople. These figures didn’t just earn for their own personal gain; they were also actively involved in charity and patronage. In other words, they used their funds to create things of lasting value for the city.
One such magnate was Sir William Fettes, an exceptionally wealthy Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Early Years and First Steps in Business
William was born on 25 June 1750, the son of an Edinburgh merchant. When he turned eight, he became a pupil at The Royal High School.
At 18, the young man took his first steps into commerce, setting up a business trading in tea and wine on the High Street.
In 1787, Fettes’s life marked a significant milestone when he married Maria Malcolm. Their son was born just a year later, in 1788.
Forging Key Connections
Fettes’s early career coincided with a period of economic boom in Scotland. The merchant was intent on establishing business links with towns like Durham, Leeds, and Newcastle. A new venture helped him achieve this: he began working in underwriting. This success eventually led to him taking on a directorial role at The British Linen Bank in 1800.
A Portfolio of Properties
It is worth noting that, as befitted any wealthy man, Fettes owned considerable property. The merchant and underwriter lived in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh. He used the funds earned from his continued tea trade to purchase this estate. However, he also owned other properties, which all significantly added to his fortune.
A Commitment to Philanthropy
However, as mentioned earlier, William Fettes was one of those men who, having amassed a great fortune, was not corrupted by it. He retained his generosity and was known for his magnanimous acts.
He was an active member of many public charities and took a direct part in contributing to the general welfare of Edinburgh. Furthermore, he even held the post of Lord Provost of Edinburgh between 1804 and 1806.
The Sudden Death of His Heir
The year 1815 brought tragedy to the Fettes family. At the age of 27, his only son died of typhus while travelling in Europe. Five years prior, William’s heir had been admitted to the Faculty of Advocates.
A Generous Act to Enshrine His Son’s Memory
His son’s death, beyond the immense grief it caused, made Fettes realise that he had no one to whom he could leave his fortune, as he had no other children.
He initially began planning to use his estate to fund a hospital. However, he later changed his mind, deciding instead to direct the money towards the education of poor children and orphans. In other words, he resolved to sponsor the creation of a dedicated school.
In this way, Fettes chose to memorialise his only son.
A sum that was enormous for the time—£166,000—was used to purchase a plot of land and to construct the school building.
Today, the institution is known as Fettes College and is a boarding school where pupils receive a high standard of modern education.
Thus, William Fettes serves as an example of how a wealthy person can retain their humanity and generosity. As we know, great fortunes can, unfortunately, often corrupt people. Upon achieving a life of luxury, they can forget those in need. They also forget that good deeds are an essential part of a meaningful life.
Having left no heir, Fettes died in 1836, preceding his wife in death by only three weeks. They are laid to rest in the cemetery grounds.
Yet, the memory of this man lives on. Each new generation of pupils at Fettes College learns about the person of great generosity for whom their school is named. He was a man who managed to turn a personal tragedy into a profound act of benevolence, without becoming bitter despite the grief of losing his only son. This demonstrates his immense strength of character. Not everyone could so courageously endure the unspeakable pain caused by the death of a child.
Without question, such a generous act can be seen as an example for humanity today. Often, as we advance in our careers and earn considerable money, we tend to forget what is most important. Yet it is compassion and kindness that, even after death, speak to the true measure of a person’s life.