Arthur Wilson (shipping magnate)

Arthur Wilson (14 December 1836 – 1909) was a prominent English ship-owner who is best known for playing host to his friend Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, at his home Tranby Croft, the scene of the royal baccarat scandal.

Arthur Wilson was born on 14 December 1836 in Hull, Yorkshire. His father was Thomas Wilson, owner of the Thomas Wilson Sons & Co. shipping business. His brother was Charles Wilson, who was later created Baron Nunburnholme.

Like his brother, he was educated at Kingston College. He was associated with Charles throughout his life, and became the head of the business after his brother's death in 1907. Before this, he served as director of the North Eastern Railway, and chairman of the shipping committee of the Hull Chamber of Commerce. He became High Sheriff of Yorkshire for 1891.

For the last twenty years of his life, his London home was 17 Grosvenor Place, a building which now serves as the embassy of Ireland.

Wilson's son Arthur entered Parliament as a Unionist for the Holderness division of Yorkshire in 1900. Wilson himself was active in protecting the Liberal interest in Yorkshire, but spoke against Gladstone's Home Rule bill, and joined the Liberal Unionists. In 1909, he spoke in favour of Tariff reform.

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