Robert Noton Barclay

Sir Robert Noton Barclay
Born	Template:Birth date England
Died	November 24, 1957(1957-11-24) (aged 85)
Occupation(s)	Merchant, banker, politician
Known for	Lord Mayor of Manchester, MP for Manchester Exchange

Sir Robert Noton Barclay (11 May 1872 – 24 November 1957) was a distinguished English merchant specializing in export shipping, a banker, and a politician affiliated with the Liberal Party. He notably held the office of Lord Mayor of Manchester, England.

Family and education

Barclay was born to Robert Barclay, who was engaged in South American shipping and maintained significant connections with Lancashire's cotton industry. His education included attendance at Uppingham School followed by studies at the Victoria University of Manchester. In 1898, he wed Helena Margaret Bythell. Together, they had five children: two sons named John and Robbie, and three daughters—Margaret, Elizabeth, and Rosalind. His sister Mary Jane (1870–1939) was married to John Hope Simpson, who served as Liberal MP for Taunton between 1922 and 1924.

Career

Taking over from his father, Barclay led the family enterprise, Robert Barclay & Co based in Manchester, which focused on export shipping. His business involvement extended widely; he became a director of the District Bank starting in 1913, advancing to Deputy Chairman in 1932 and later Chairman from 1936 until 1946. Additionally, he held directorships at the National Boiler Co. and the Manchester Ship Canal Company.

Public life

Barclay served as a Justice of the Peace in Manchester and was influential within its commercial community. Between 1914 and 1916, he presided over the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. In 1931, he took part in a British trade delegation to Argentina. He held the position of High Sheriff of Cheshire during 1937–1938 and contributed to philanthropy as Chairman of the Manchester YMCA as well as serving on the council of Manchester University. His public service and charitable efforts earned him a knighthood in 1936.

Donations of property

In 1929, Barclay acquired land known as the Ings and Stable Hills located on the shores of Derwent Water within the Lake District, which he then donated to the National Trust. Subsequently, he purchased Wray Castle on Windermere near Ambleside and gifted both the castle and several acres surrounding it to the National Trust.

In 1943, he gave his residence at Mobberley Hall in Cheshire to the Manchester Education Committee for use as a residential school.

Manchester politics

Barclay gained election to Manchester City Council in 1917 where he contributed on the Finance Committee. He was later appointed an Alderman and served as Lord Mayor of Manchester during 1929–1930. In 1938, he took on leadership as Chairman of Manchester’s Air Raid Precautions special committee and subsequently led the Emergency committee throughout the initial years of World War II.

He also fulfilled duties as High Sheriff of Cheshire in 1937.

Parliament

At the 1923 general election, Barclay secured election as MP for Manchester Exchange, defeating Conservative Sir Edwin Stockton by a margin of 1,799 votes. However, in 1924 he was unseated by Conservative Edward Fielden by 2,507 votes. Barclay contested this seat again in 1929 but placed second in a three-candidate contest. After this attempt, he did not pursue further parliamentary candidacy.

Death

Barclay passed away in a hospital after an accident on 24 November 1957, at the age of 85. Lady Barclay died on 27 October 1960 at the family residence, Far Hills, located in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.