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William James PirrieIrish shipbuilder, businessman
Date of Birth: 31.05.1847
Country:  Ireland |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Harland and Wolff
- Titanic
- Political Career
- Privy Council and Peerage
- Pro-Chancellor of Queen's University
- Later Life and Legacy
- Northern Ireland Senate
- Death and Burial
Early Life and Education
William James Pirrie was born on May 31, 1847, in Quebec, Canada. He was the eldest son of James Alexander Pirrie and Eliza Swope Montgomery. Two years later, the family moved to Ireland, settling in Conlig, County Down.
Pirrie's maternal grandfather was the Reverend Thomas Montgomery, a Presbyterian minister. His extended family included notable figures such as Northern Ireland Prime Minister John Miller Andrews, Titanic designer Thomas Andrews, and Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland James Andrews.
In 1862, Pirrie graduated from the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He later studied engineering at Queen's College Belfast, graduating in 1867.
Harland and Wolff
Partnership and LeadershipIn 1874, Pirrie joined Harland and Wolff as a partner. After the death of Edward Harland in 1895, he became the shipyard's chairman. Under his leadership, Harland and Wolff became one of the world's leading shipbuilders.
Titanic
Pirrie was instrumental in the construction of the RMS Titanic. He oversaw its design and construction and planned to sail on its maiden voyage in 1912. However, he was forced to cancel his trip due to illness.
Political Career
Lord Mayor of BelfastIn 1896, Pirrie was elected Lord Mayor of Belfast, serving for two years. During his tenure, he initiated several civic improvements and promoted the city's industrial development.
Privy Council and Peerage
In 1897, Pirrie was appointed to the Privy Council of Ireland. In 1906, he was raised to the peerage as Baron Pirrie of Belfast.
Pro-Chancellor of Queen's University
From 1908 to 1914, Lord Pirrie served as Pro-Chancellor of Queen's University Belfast. He was actively involved in the university's governance and fundraising efforts.
Later Life and Legacy
World War IDuring World War I, Lord Pirrie served on the Irish Financial Committee, which oversaw the mobilization of resources for the war effort.
Northern Ireland Senate
In 1921, Pirrie was elected to the Senate of Northern Ireland. In recognition of his services to the new state, he was created Viscount Pirrie of Belfast in July 1921.
Death and Burial
Lord Pirrie died on June 7, 1924, while on a business trip to Cuba. His body was repatriated to Ireland and buried in Belfast City Cemetery.
Lord Pirrie is remembered as one of the most prominent figures in Irish shipbuilding and industry. His contributions to the development of Belfast and Northern Ireland are still felt today.
