Although the collections featured in the Cayzer Family Archive largely reflect the family’s involvement in international shipping, many family and personal papers, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are contained here.
The Cayzers played a significant, and at times pivotal, role in 19th and 20th century Britain. Their interests varied from business to politics, from the armed forces to the arts. In these pages can be found more about the involvement of individual family members in these diverse spheres of activity along with that of some of those who married into the family.
The founder of Cayzer, Irvine & Co., Sir Charles William Cayzer, was followed into the business by his sons, August Cayzer, Herbert Cayzer and Harold Cayzer, and by his grandson, William Nicholas Cayzer. The latter, in particular, was to oversee the family’s eventual move away from shipping. All of them were to leave their mark on this notable dynasty.
Sir Charles was keenly interested in politics. His son Herbert, and grandson, also a Charles William Cayzer, followed in his footsteps becoming Members of Parliament. Two of his daughters married men who were to play significant roles in Britain’s naval war effort: Admiral Sir John (later Earl) Jellicoe and Admiral Sir Charles Madden. The latter’s son, also Charles, the second Baronet of Kells, also attained the rank of Admiral, serving with distinction during the Second World War, and was an accomplished artist. Jellicoe’s son, George, was likewise a war hero and awarded the DSO. Sir Charles Cayzer’s eldest son, the second Baronet of Gartmore, was a published poet.
Rev John Cayzer 
