William Beckett-Denison
William Beckett-Denison | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age |
| Died | November 23, 1890 (aged 64) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Years active | 1847–1890 |
| Known for | Banking, Conservative Member of Parliament |
William Beckett-Denison (10 September 1826 – 23 November 1890) was an English banker and a member of the Conservative who represented constituencies in the House of Commons from 1876 until his death in 1890. His life ended tragically after an accident involving a train at Wimborne.
Early life
Originally named William Beckett, he was the third-born son and second surviving child of Sir Edmund Beckett, 4th Baronet of Grimthorpe, Yorkshire, and Maria Beverley. His education took place at Rugby School followed by Trinity College, Cambridge.
Career
At 21 years old in 1847, Beckett entered his father’s banking enterprise, Beckett & Co. By 1874, he had risen to become a partner and managed the firm’s branches located in Leeds, Doncaster, and Retford. Upon Leslie Melville’s departure, he assumed leadership of the English County Bankers' Association and also presided over the East Riding Bank at Beverley and Malton. Besides his banking pursuits, he served as a captain in the Yorkshire Hussars and fulfilled duties as a Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant for West Riding of Yorkshire.
In 1865, Beckett was appointed the inaugural chairman of Yorkshire Post Newspapers, with his family maintaining control until 1950.
His political career began with election as Conservative MP for East Retford in 1876; however, he lost this seat in 1880. He later returned to Parliament representing Bassetlaw from 1885 until his passing in 1890.
Personal life
In 1855, Beckett married the Hon. Helen Duncombe, daughter of William Duncombe, 2nd Baron Feversham. The couple resided at Meanwood Park, Leeds, and Nun Appleton in Yorkshire. They had at least seven children, among whom were:
- Ernest William Beckett (1856–1917), who became the 2nd Baron Grimthorpe.
- Helen Louisa Beckett-Denison (1858–1935).
- Adeline Gertrude Beckett-Denison (1859–1902), spouse of Sir Frederick Milner, 7th Baronet.
- Violet Katharine Beckett-Denison (1860–1883), married to Reginald Walkeline Chandos-Pole.
- Maud Augusta Beckett-Denison (1864–1927), wife of Lord Henry Nevill, later the 3rd Marquess of Abergavenny.
- William Gervase Beckett (1866–1937), created 1st Baronet of Kirkdale Manor.
- Rupert Evelyn Beckett (1870–1955), married Muriel Helen Florence Paget.
Beckett's death occurred at age 64 when he fell beneath a train at Wimborne while on his way back to the station. A gust blew off his hat, causing him to lose balance and fall onto the tracks; the train dragged his body approximately 56 feet.
Following his demise, Gertrude Beatrice Brinkworth asserted that she was his mistress and claimed to be mother to his adopted children. She initiated legal action against his executors. Although some funds were disbursed to her, the court ultimately rejected her allegations as fraudulent before the case reached conclusion.