User:MoreThings/sbtf
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas Robinson Ferens (4 May 1847 – 9 May 1930) was a British politician, a philanthropist, and an industrialist. He was the Member of Parliament for Hull East for 13 years, and served the city as a Justice of the Peace and as High Steward. He helped establish Reckitt & Sons, a manufacturer of household goods, as one of Kingston-upon-Hull’s foremost businesses. His career with the company spanned 61 years—from his initial employment as a confidential and shorthand clerk until his death, as chairman, in 1930.
Thomas Robinson Ferens | |
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![]() by Frank Dicksee. | |
Member of Parliament for Hull East | |
In office 8 February 1906 – 1918 | |
Justice of the Peace | |
In office 1894–1930 | |
Privy Councilor | |
In office 1912–1930 | |
Personal details | |
Born | 4 May 1847 East Thickley, County Durham |
Died | 9 May 1930 (aged 83) Kingston upon Hull,East Yorkshire |
Political party | Liberal |
Spouse | Esther Ellen (Ettie) Field |
A devout Wesleyan Methodist, Ferens made numerous charitable donations throughout his life. His gifts to Hull include the Ferens Art Gallery and a donation of £250,000 for the establishment of University College (now the University of Hull). In other parts of the country he made substantial donations to schools, hospitals and charitable organisations.