Leicester Harmsworth

Sir
Leicester Harmsworth
Member of Parliament
for Caithness
In office
1900–1918
Preceded by Gavin Brown Clark
Succeeded by Constituency abolished
Member of Parliament
for Caithness and Sutherland
In office
1918–1922
Preceded by Constituency established
Succeeded by Sir Archibald Sinclair
Personal details
Born 1 November 1870
Hampstead, London, England
Died 19 January 1937 (aged 66)
Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, England
Resting place St Marylebone Cemetery
Political party Liberal
Spouse
Annie Louisa
(m. 1892)
Children 7
Parents
Relatives
Education St Marylebone Grammar School
Occupation
  • Businessman
  • politician
  • publisher

Sir Robert Leicester Harmsworth, 1st Baronet (1 November 1870 – 19 January 1937) was a British businessman and Liberal politician.

Background

Harmsworth was the fourth son of Alfred Harmsworth, a barrister, and Geraldine Mary, daughter of William Maffet. He received his education at St Marylebone Grammar School. He was the brother of Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe, Harold Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere, Cecil Harmsworth, 1st Baron Harmsworth and Sir Hildebrand Harmsworth, 1st Baronet.

Career

Harmsworth was a director of Amalgamated Press, the publishing company owned by his brother, Lord Northcliffe. In 1900 he was returned to Parliament for Caithness, a seat he held until 1918, and then represented Caithness and Sutherland between 1918 and 1922. In 1918 he was created a Baronet, of Moray Lodge in the Royal Borough of Kensington.

Harmsworth was an active member of the Sylvan Debating Club, which was founded by his father, and served as its Secretary.

Family

Harmsworth married Annie Louisa, daughter of Thomas Scott, in 1892. They had four sons and three daughters. He died in January 1937, aged 66, and was succeeded in the baronetcy by his eldest son, Alfred. Lady Harmsworth died in December 1963.