John Coldbrook Hanbury-Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Hanbury-Williams
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Sir John Coldbrook Hanbury-Williams in 1953
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| Born | 28 May 1892 Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England
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| Died | 10 October 1965 (aged 73) Westminster, London, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | businessman, banker |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Unit | 10th Royal Hussars |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Sir John Coldbrook Hanbury-Williams (born May 28, 1892 – died August 10, 1965) was an important British businessman and a person who worked closely with the royal family, called a courtier. He was a top leader at a big company called Courtaulds for many years. He also helped manage the Bank of England, which is a very important bank in the UK. Sir John also held several special jobs working for the King and Queen.
Contents
Early Life and War Service
Growing Up in England
John Hanbury-Williams was born in a town called Henley-on-Thames in England. His father was a high-ranking army officer, Major-General Sir John Hanbury-Williams. John went to school at Wellington College.
Serving in World War I
Before the First World War started, John began his career working for a company called Rice Bros. in London. When the war began, he joined the army. He served in France with a cavalry unit called the 10th Royal Hussars. He was injured during the war and was recognized for his brave actions.
A Career in Business and Banking
Joining Courtaulds
In 1926, after the war, Hanbury-Williams started working for Courtaulds. This was a large company that made textiles, like fabrics and yarn. He first worked in Coventry and then moved to the company's main office in London. He focused on selling the company's yarn to other countries. Soon, he was in charge of all of Courtaulds' international businesses.
In 1930, he became a member of the company's main board of directors. By 1935, he was a managing director, meaning he helped run the company's daily operations, especially its global trade. He was also involved in starting a company called British Cellophane, which made a type of clear wrapping material.
Working at the Bank of England
In 1936, John Hanbury-Williams was chosen to be a director at the Bank of England. This is a very important role, as the Bank of England helps manage the country's money. He worked there until he retired in 1963. From 1940 until he retired, he was also part of the Bank of England's special Committee of Treasury.
World War II and Leading Courtaulds
Before Second World War began, Hanbury-Williams helped Courtaulds get involved with making nylon. Nylon was a new and important material invented by another company called DuPont. During the war, from 1940 to 1941, he worked full-time as an executive director at the Bank of England. In 1942, he worked for the government department that dealt with economic warfare.
In 1943, he returned to Courtaulds and became the deputy chairman. After the war, in 1946, he became the chairman of the entire company, taking over from Samuel Courtauld.
Rebuilding Courtaulds After the War
Courtaulds faced many challenges after the war. They had to sell their American company, the American Viscose Corporation, to help Great Britain get much-needed money. After the war, the company also needed to hire many new employees. A big success for Hanbury-Williams was when Courtaulds returned to the United States in 1951. They started a new American company called Courtaulds, Inc.
Other Important Roles
Sir John also held several other important positions. In 1948, he led a committee that looked at how civil aircraft were ordered. He was also a leader and trustee for the Commonwealth Study Conference in 1956. He served as president of the International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property from 1959 to 1960. He was also a vice-president of the National Council for Social Service.
Because of his important work for the public, John Hanbury-Williams was made a knight in 1950. This meant he could use the title "Sir."
Working for the Royal Family
A Gentleman Usher
Sir John Hanbury-Williams also had a special connection to the British royal family. He became a Gentleman Usher to King George V in 1931. A Gentleman Usher is someone who helps organize royal events and attends to the monarch. He continued this role for King Edward VIII in 1936.
From 1936 to 1965, he also held the title of Lieutenant of the City of London. He was a Gentleman Usher to King George VI from 1937 to 1946. After that, he became an Extra Gentleman Usher to the King until 1952. In 1956, he was given a special honor called the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
From 1952 to 1965, he was an Extra Gentleman Usher to Queen Elizabeth II. Sir John also served twice as the High Sheriff of the County of London, once in 1943 and again in 1958.
Family Life
Sir John Hanbury-Williams married Princess Zenaida Cantacuzène on November 1, 1928. Her grandfather was Ulysses S. Grant, who was a US President. They were married in Washington, D.C. They had one son and two daughters.
Sir John Coldbrook Hanbury-Williams passed away in 1965 at the age of 73.
