Jacob Behrens Explained

Sir Jacob Behrens
Birth Name:	Jacob Behrens
Birth Date:	13 November 1806
Birth Place:	Bad Pyrmont, Germany
Death Place:	Torquay, England
Nationality:	British / German
Known For:	Textile merchant Educator Philanthropist

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]}

Biography

Early life

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]

The businessman

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]}

The educator

Behrens helped to reorganise Bradford Grammar School in 1871, and he helped establish the Great Horton Road Technical College in 1882.^[5]

The philanthropist

Behrens was a prominent member of the Bradford Philosophical Society, and founded the Eye and Ear Hospital in Bradford.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Jacob Behrens. 2008-12-23. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
2. Web site: Official website. 2008-12-23. The Sir Jacob Behrens group.
3. Web site: Sir Jacob Behrens. 2008-11-23. Jewish Encyclopedia.
4. Web site: Sir Jacob Behrens 1806-1889 | Making Their Mark: Bradford Jewish.
5. Web site: Behrens. 2008-12-23. Bradford Libraries.
6. Book: Tagore, Sourindro Mohun. The orders of knighthood, British and foreign. By author. Calcutta. 1884. 196. 39255887.