| Charles Lawson | |
| Birth Date: | 1795 |
| Birth Place: | Edinburgh |
| Death Date: | 1873 |
| Nationality: | Scottish |
| Alma Mater: | Edinburgh High School Edinburgh University |
| Occupation: | Nurseryman, merchant |
| Spouse: | Patricia Grant |
| Mother: | Patricia Grant |
| Father: | Peter Lawson |
Charles Lawson (1795–1873) was a Scottish nurseryman and merchant, noted for the introduction of foreign crops into the United Kingdom.[1] He served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1862 to 1865.[2]
Lawson was born in Edinburgh, son of the seed merchant Peter Lawson and his wife Patricia Grant. The family lived at 19 Blair Street, a street joining the Royal Mile to the Cowgate.[3] He was educated at Edinburgh High School and Edinburgh University. His father died in 1821, and Charles then took over the family business Peter Lawson & Son.[1]
In Edinburgh he lived at 35 George Square. In 1851, he purchased Borthwick Hall near Gorebridge.[4]
Lawson was connected to the huge Lawson-Donaldson Seed Warehouse off the Shore in Leith.
Successful on a national scale, Lawson became a specialist in grass seeds and conifers. The Cupressus lawsoniana was named after him.[1]
Lawson died in 1873.
Lawson was portrayed in office by John Graham-Gilbert.[5]