Hamar Bass
Hamar Alfred Bass | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Burton upon Trent, England |
| Died | April 8, 1898 (aged 55) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, racehorse breeder, politician |
| Years active | 1860–1898 |
| Known for | Brewing entrepreneur, breeder of racehorses, Liberal Party MP |
Hamar Alfred Bass (30 July 1842 – 8 April 1898) was a British entrepreneur in brewing, a breeder of racehorses, and a Liberal Party member who represented constituencies in the House of Commons from 1878 until his passing in 1898.
Early life
Originating from Burton upon Trent, Bass was the second-born son of brewer Michael Thomas Bass and Eliza Jane Arden. He descended from William Bass, the founder of Bass & Co, as his great-grandfather, and was sibling to Lord Burton. His education was completed at Harrow School, after which he took on a directorial role within the family enterprise, Bass, Ratcliff, Gretton and Co. However, his participation was somewhat restrained due to his father’s apprehensions about his gambling habits.
Cricket career
In 1865, Bass appeared once in first-class cricket representing the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a match against Sussex.
Militia career
Bass received his commission in 1860 into the part-time King's Own (3rd Staffordshire) Rifle Militia and eventually commanded the unit when it became the 4th Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment. From 1893 onwards, he held the honorary position of Colonel for this battalion.
Political career
Bass secured election as Member of Parliament for Tamworth during a by-election in 1878 and maintained this role until the constituency’s representation was reduced to one member in 1885. Subsequently, he served as MP for West Staffordshire until his death in 1898. Additionally, he fulfilled duties as a Justice of the Peace within Staffordshire.
Bass Charity Vase
Together with Lord Burton, Bass established the Bass Charity Vase in 1889, an association football tournament dedicated to raising funds for healthcare-related charities. The event has persisted annually through to at least 2021, continuing its philanthropic mission.
Equestrian career
At Byrkley Stud, Bass engaged in horse breeding; notably, his horse "Love Wisely" claimed victory in the Ascot Gold Cup in 1896. He also devoted twelve years as master of the Meynell Hunt.
Family life
In 1879, Bass wed Louisa Bagot (1853–1942), daughter of William Bagot, 3rd Baron Bagot. Their homes included Byrkley Lodge and Needwood House in Burton as well as a London residence at 145 Piccadilly. Following Bass’s death, Louisa remarried Rev Bernard Shaw.
His sister Emily married MP Sir William Plowden, while another sister, Alice, married Sir George Chetwode; Alice was mother to Field Marshal Philip Chetwode.
Bass’s son William succeeded to his uncle’s baronetcy through a special remainder. His daughter Sibell Lucia became wife to Major Berkeley John Talbot Levett of the Scots Guards, who served as Gentleman Usher to the Royal Household from 1919 until 1937.
See also
- Rangemore, Staffordshire