George Barham facts for kids

Sir George Barham (born November 22, 1836 – died November 16, 1913) was an important English businessman. He started the Express County Milk Company, which later became Express Dairies. Many people call him the "father of the British dairying industry" because of his big impact on how milk was produced and sold in Britain.

Who Was Sir George Barham?

Sir George Barham was a key figure in the history of the dairy industry. He helped change how milk was brought to cities. His ideas made sure people had fresh milk, even when there were problems.

Early Life and Family

George Barham was born in November 1836 in Strand, London. His father, Robert Barham, owned a small dairy shop. The Barham family had been farmers in Sussex for a long time. George first learned to be a carpenter. Later, he joined his father in the dairy business.

Building a Dairy Empire

In 1864, George Barham started his own company, the Express County Milk Company. This was a very important step.

• Solving a Milk Crisis: In 1865, a serious cattle disease threatened London's milk supply. George Barham found a clever solution. He used trains to bring fresh milk from the countryside to London. This helped to prevent a big milk shortage.
• Dairy Supply Company: He also created another company called the Dairy Supply Company Limited. This company made tools and equipment for the dairy industry. By the early 1900s, it was the biggest company of its kind in the world.

Helping the Dairy World

Sir George Barham did more than just run his own businesses. He also helped improve dairy farming in other parts of the world.

• Global Impact: He paid his own money to help introduce modern dairy methods in India and the West Indies. This showed his dedication to the industry.
• Setting Standards: In 1900, he joined a special group called the Committee on Milk Standards. This group worked on rules for milk quality. Many of his ideas were later used by the government.
• Food Laws: He also spoke to committees about train prices and food quality. He even suggested a law that became the Margarine Act. This law helped control how margarine was made and sold. In 1902, he became a member of the Royal Statistical Society. This group studies numbers and facts.

Public Service and Later Life

Sir George Barham was also active in public life and politics.

• Political Efforts: He owned two large properties in Wadhurst, Sussex. In 1895, he tried to become a Member of Parliament for West Islington. However, he was not elected.
• Knighthood: On July 5, 1904, George Barham was made a knight. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. It was a recognition of his important work.
• Local Leader: He served as the Mayor of Hampstead in 1905 and 1906. From 1908 to 1909, he was the High Sheriff of Middlesex. These were important local leadership roles.

Sir George Barham married Margaret Rainey, and they had two sons. Margaret died in 1906. Sir George Barham passed away at his home in Wadhurst in November 1913, at the age of 76. His youngest son, Colonel Arthur Saxby Barham, later bought Hole Park in Kent.