Wigram , Sir , Robert , 1744-1830 , Knight , shipbuilder

Wigram began his career with the East India Company as a surgeon. He contracted an illness, however, which affected his eyesight so that he could no longer practise as a surgeon nor could he go to sea again. He then set himself up as a drug merchant. In 1788 he bought the General Goddard and then the True Briton, which was built in Wells' Yard, Deptford in 1790. Wigram built up the business and acquired a large interest in the Blackwall Yard and in 1810 became Chairman of the new East India Dock Company. He retired in 1819 and sold the yard to two of his sons, Money and Henry Loftus Wigram, and to George Green.