Sir Jacob Behrens (13 November 1806 – 22 April 1889) was an Anglo–German textile merchant.[1] His company, Sir Jacob Behrens & Son Ltd., was established in 1834 and still operates today.[2] Behrens was Jewish and was a prominent member of the Anglo-Jewish Association.[3][4]
Sir Jacob Behrens | |
---|---|
Born | Jacob Behrens 13 November 1806 Bad Pyrmont, Germany |
Died | 22 April 1889 Torquay, England | (aged 82)
Nationality | British / German |
Known for | Textile merchant Educator Philanthropist |
Born in Bad Pyrmont, Germany, into a family of merchants, Sir Jacob Behrens settled in Leeds in 1834, establishing his business there.[3] He then moved to Bradford in 1838, opening a factory in Thornton Road.[5]
Behrens helped to establish the Bradford chamber of commerce.[5] Behrens was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1882 for his work in strengthening trade relations between Britain and France.[5][6]
Behrens helped to reorganise Bradford Grammar School in 1871, and he helped establish the Great Horton Road Technical College in 1882.[5]
Behrens was a prominent member of the Bradford Philosophical Society, and founded the Eye and Ear Hospital in Bradford.[3]