Malvern Range Gallery

Christopher Furness was born at New Stranton, West Hartlepool, in 1852, the youngest of seven children. He became a very astute businessman, and by the age of eighteen was playing a major role in his older brother Thomas’ wholesale grocery business, being made partner in 1872.

In 1882 the two brothers decided to go their separate ways, allowing Thomas to concentrate on the grocery business, while Christopher took over the ownership and management of the four steamships their company was then operating.

This was the beginning of what would eventually become the huge Furness Withy & Co. Ltd. empire. As many books have been written detailing the history of this company, its ships and its many subsidiaries, this section will only feature those ships with direct Hartlepool connections.

Some of the ships that were not built at Hartlepool but owned by Furness are listed below as 'a general history'

The three Glover Brothers became ship owners in 1865 when they purchased the barque W. E. Gladstone. S.J. Glover purchased his first steamer in 1872 and registered it and another four in West Hartlepool. He also had shares in other ships. Septimus joined his brothers and the company became Glover Brothers and Co. The business was transferred to London and continued until 1936 when their last two ships were sold.

Family History:

Septimus Jonathan Glover was born on 21 February 1834 at South Shields. He married Elizabeth Ann Briggs in April 1858 at Stockton-on-Tees.  By 1861 the couple were living at Seaton Carew with their two daughters. Septimus was listed in the census as a bookkeeper to a coal company.  By 1871 they were living at Stranton with their three daughters and four sons. By 1881 the family had moved to Aberdeen Park, Highbury, Middlesex with Septimus now a shipbroker. He died on 2 August 1908 at Aberdeen Park aged 74 leaving effects of £118,630.