Max Waechter


Sir Max Leonard Waechter was a businessman, art collector, philanthropist and advocate of a federal Europe.
The great-grandson of a Lutheran pastor, Waechter was born in Stettin, then in Germany, and now Szczecin in Poland. He went to England in 1859 and was naturalised in 1865. He became a partner in Bessler, Waechter, and Co., a merchant firm. He advocated improved relations between Britain and Germany and in 1913 founded the European Federation League.
from Richmond Hill
He lived in Terrace House on Richmond Hill, and owned Glover's Island which he donated to the Borough of Richmond in 1900. He helped preserve the view from Richmond across the river by preventing destructive development. He held the post of High Sheriff of Surrey in 1902 and was knighted in the 1902 Birthday Honours.
Waechter was buried in Richmond Cemetery.

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