Sir Edgar Speyer
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Sir Edgar Speyer
Sir Edgar Speyer (1862-1932), 1st Baronet. American born financier and philanthropist, chairman of the Underground Electric Railways Company of London from 1906 to 1915 and a Privy Councillor. German by birth and education, Speyer endured much criticism and anti-German feeling in the British press, especially from the Morning Post, particularly due to his being a member of a firm based in Frankfurt. He resigned from the Privy Council and eventually left to live in America in May 1915. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14143327
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Anti Baronet Chairman Councillor Criticism Edgar Financier Germans Philanthropist Press Privy Railways Speyer Underground Xenophobia Xenophobic
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative portrait captures Sir Edgar Speyer, a complex and controversial figure of the early 20th century. Born in Germany and educated there, Speyer made his fortune as a financier in America before returning to London to become the chairman of the Underground Electric Railways Company from 1906 to 1915. In 1907, he was appointed a Privy Councillor, a position of great honor and influence in British politics. However, as tensions between Germany and Britain began to rise in the years leading up to World War I, Speyer found himself under intense scrutiny and criticism in the British press. Despite his British title and long-standing connections to the country, Speyer's German birth and education made him a target for xenophobic sentiment. The Morning Post, a prominent British newspaper, led the charge against him, accusing him of being a German spy and a threat to national security. Speyer, who was a partner in a Frankfurt-based firm, was unable to quell the rumors and faced increasing pressure to resign from his position as Privy Councillor. In May 1915, Speyer made the difficult decision to leave Britain and return to America. The portrait captures the intensity and gravity of the situation, with Speyer's stern expression and the somber background reflecting the turmoil of the time. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the anti-German sentiment that swept through Britain during World War I and the devastating consequences it had for individuals like Sir Edgar Speyer, who were caught in the crossfire of xenophobia and nationalism.
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