Douglas Lapraik was a British watchmaker, shipbuilder and shipping magnate of Scottish origins.
Lapraik arrived in Hong Kong in 1842 from Macao, working as a watchmaker. Some time later he started his own business. He soon found out that more money could be made in trading and shipping, therefore he became a shipping agent. During the 1850s and 1860s, he made much money and became one of the taipans of Hong Kong. With his money, he was involved in many business activities.
In 1863, he was one of the founders of the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Company.
In 1864, he was involved in the foundation of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
He also was a founding director of the Hongkong, Canton & Macao Steamboat Company (1865). In the same year, he also was a founding Director in the Hongkong Hotel Company which opened the Hongkong Hotel in 1868.
In 1862, he made significant contributions to the construction of the Pedder Street Clock Tower.
Around 1861, he built Douglas Castle at Pokfulam.
Lapraik left Hong Kong and returned to London in mid 1866, apparently due to health issues. He died there three years later.
After Douglas Lapraik's death, John Steward Lapraik, the son of Lapraik's eldest brother took over his business.
Source and further reading: Wikipedia
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