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George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde

1861 – 1905

Scottish shipping magnate

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About George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde

Lived 1861 – 1905 (aged 44). George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde was a British entrepreneur and politician.

George Arbuthnot Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde (17 September 1861 – 8 October 1905) was the chairman of the board of the Cunard Line. Burns was the elder son of John Burns, First Baron Inverclyde (24 June 1829 – 12 February 1901).

Burns's fleet of ships amounted to over 100 vessels, trading between the Clyde, Ireland, Liverpool, and the Scottish Highlands. His father eventually handed him control of the Cunard Steamship Company, making him chairman.

He was justice of the peace for Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire, and was appointed a deputy lieutenant for Glasgow on 1 July 1902. He was also Lord Dean of Guild of the City of Glasgow, 1903–4.

On 6 April 1886, he married Mary Fergusson, younger daughter of Hickson Fergusson, of The Knowe, Ayrshire. However, he died of pneumonia and complications of surgery at the age of 44. He had no children, and the titles and business passed to his younger brother, James Cleland Burns, 3rd Baron Inverclyde (1864–1919).

He spearheaded the development of the steamships Lusitania and RMS Mauretania but died before the ships were launched. His widow, Lady Mary, christened the Lusitania at her launching in June 1906.

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Important facts

Birth century
Positions held
Member of the House of Lords
Also known as
George Arbuthnot Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde of Castle Wemyss

People in George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde's

Frequently asked questions

Who was George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde?

Scottish shipping magnate

When was George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde born?

George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde was born on 17 September 1861 in Glasgow.

When did George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde die?

George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde died on 8 October 1905 in Castle Wemyss.

What was George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde's occupation?

George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde was an entrepreneur and politician.

What nationality was George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde?

George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde

· Wikidata: Q5537447

· DBpedia: George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde. https://biography.guide/george-burns-2nd-baron-inverclyde/

MLA: "George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/george-burns-2nd-baron-inverclyde/.

Chicago: "George Burns, 2nd Baron Inverclyde." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/george-burns-2nd-baron-inverclyde/.

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