Welcome to the website of The Cayzer Family Archive, the archive of the business interests and the family of 19th century shipowner, Sir Charles Cayzer, 1st Baronet of Gartmore.
The archive contains material relating to the history of British shipping, and the family papers reveal a great deal of late 19th and early 20th century social history, as Sir Charles’ business successes allowed him and his family to enjoy a significantly better lifestyle and social circle than either he or his wife had been born into. The archive continues to acquire personal and business papers of Sir Charles’ descendants and the wider family.
View our archive catalogue, if you are interested in knowing more about the content of our collection.
We welcome visitors to the archive by prior appointment, so if you would like to make a visit, please do contact us by email or find out more about us.
This website charts the history of the family firm, Cayzer, Irvine & Company Limited, which was founded by the energetic and indomitable Charles William Cayzer (1st Baronet) in 1878. It shows how, from small beginnings, the Company grew to dominate international shipping, at its zenith boasting among its number such household names as Clan Line Steamers and the Union-Castle Line Company.
