Background
He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, on May 10, 1850. Thomas's siblings, three brothers and one sister, all died in infancy, but Thomas, despite being the youngest, survived.
He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, on May 10, 1850. Thomas's siblings, three brothers and one sister, all died in infancy, but Thomas, despite being the youngest, survived.
Thomas Lipton was educated at St. Andrew's Parish School close to Glasgow Green between 1853 and 1863.
At age 15 he went to the United States as a stowaway and worked as a farm laborer in Virginia and South Carolina and as a grocery clerk in New York. In 1870 he returned to Glasgow, and in 1871 he opened his own grocery store, and soon several more stores.
By the time he was 30, Lipton had moved his headquarters to London and had become a millionaire.
Lipton issued his first challenge for the America's Cup in 1899, with the yacht Shamrock I. Although he made five attempts on the cup over a period of 30 years, he was never successful in winning the cup. However, he earned the reputation of being the "world's best loser, " and was presented with a gold cup by the people of America for his good sportsmanship.
He engaged in extensive advertising for his chain of grocery stores and his brand of Lipton teas. Lipton's company purchased Ceylon tea, distributing it through Europe and the USA beginning in 1890.
He was created a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) by King Edward VII in March 1901. On 24 July 1902 he was created a Baronet, of Osidge, in the Parish of Southgate, in the County of Middlesex.
Sir Thomas Lipton helped organizations of medical volunteers.
Quotes from others about the person
Lipton was sometimes described in the press as 'the world's most eligible bachelor', and carefully cultivated a public image as a 'ladies man'.
