John Carr

John Carr was the first son and second child of Ralph Carr and his wife, Isabella (nee Byne). Ralph Carr (1711-1806) was a successful businessman with interests in an alum works, banking, coalmining, glassmaking, insurance, leadmining, linen manufacture, property, trading to Europe and America and whaling. Ralph was a member of the company of guild of Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle upon Tyne.  The family home was Dunston Hill, near Gateshead, then in County Durham. They also owned a townhouse in Charlotte Square and in 1784 purchased the Hedgeley estate in Northumberland. Letters amongst the Carr-Ellison family papers suggest that Harriet and her siblings enjoyed a loving and creative childhood. As was the convention of the time, John Carr and his brother Ralph (1768-1837) were educated at boarding school whilst their sisters were educated privately at home. In 1772 John Carr began his education at Mr. Croft’s School at Beverley, Yorkshire, with his brother following him there four years later. In 1781 John Carr, aged 17, matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford University, graduating in 1785.  

The Grand Tour was considered an important part of a gentleman’s education, developing their cultural knowledge and making contacts that might be useful in their future professional life. In 1788 John Carr embarked on the first of two Grand Tours. His companion was Richard Meyler, a wealthy friend from Oxford University. The two friends bought a coach that had been made for the Duke of Bedford’s Grand Tour of 1785 and set off from France. In early 1789 Meyler’s father fell ill and his son was forced to return to England. John Carr continued the tour with a Mr. Portman and his tutor-companion, Mr. Dilllon. The friends travelled on to Germany and Austria and whilst in Vienna John fell ill with malaria. He was ill for several months and not able to set off to return home until Spring 1790. Despite these difficulties John was keen to return to Europe with his sister Harriet. By 1791 brother and sister were planning their own Grand Tour. 

Upon his return from the second Tour in 1794 John, as heir to the family estates and business, was expected to familiarise himself with both and support his father with their management. In 1802 John Carr married Hannah, daughter of Henry Ellison of Hebburn Hall, thereby bringing together two important north-eastern merchant families. The couple went on to have eight children. The family adopted the surname Carr-Ellison. 

Four years after John’s marriage Ralph Carr senior died aged 95 leaving John as head of the family. John Carr died on 12 January 1817 aged 52 years.