Ralph Perring facts for kids

Sir Ralph Edgar Perring (born March 23, 1905 – died June 28, 1998) was an important British businessman. He was known for being the 635th Lord Mayor of London, a very old and important job in the city. He was also given the special title of 1st Baronet, which means he started a new line of baronets in his family.

Early Life and Military Service

Ralph Perring was born in London. He was the youngest son of Sir John Perring and Florence Higginson. He went to school at University College School in London.

During the Second World War, Ralph Perring joined the army. He served as a lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. However, he had to leave the army in 1940 because of an injury or illness.

A Career in Business

After the war, Ralph Perring became a very successful businessman. From 1948 to 1981, he was the chairman of his own company, Perring Furnishings Ltd. This company likely sold furniture or items for homes.

Serving the City of London

Sir Ralph Perring was very involved in the government of the City of London. This is a special part of London with its own ancient traditions and leaders.

• Common Council Member: From 1948 to 1951, he was a member of the Court of Common Council for the Cripplegate area. This group helps make decisions for the City of London.
• Alderman: From 1951 to 1975, he served as an Alderman for the Langbourn area. Aldermen are senior members of the City of London's government.
• Lieutenant of the City: He also became a Lieutenant of the City of London, a special honorary role.

Important City Roles

Sir Ralph Perring held two very important positions in the City of London:

• Sheriff: He was elected a Sheriff of the City of London for the year 1958–1959. The Sheriffs help the Lord Mayor and have duties related to law and order in the City.
• Lord Mayor: He then became the Lord Mayor of London for 1962–1963. The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London Corporation and a global ambassador for the UK's financial services.

Honours and Titles

Because of his important work and service, Ralph Perring received special honours:

• Knighted: In 1960, he was knighted. This meant he was given the title "Sir" before his name.
• Baronet: On November 27, 1963, he was made a baronet. This is a special hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in his family. He became the 1st Baronet of Frensham Manor.

Guilds and Other Work

Sir Ralph Perring was also involved with several "Worshipful Companies." These are ancient trade guilds or associations that still exist today in London.

• He was the Master of the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers from 1944 to 1945.
• He was the Master of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers from 1977 to 1978.
• He was a founder and senior past Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.

Beyond these, he also served as chairman for:

• The BNEC Committee for Exports to Canada (1968–1970), which helped British businesses sell goods to Canada.
• The Confederation Life Insurance Company of Canada (1969–1981).

Family Life

In 1928, Ralph Perring married Ethel Mary Johnson. They had four sons together. Sir Ralph Perring passed away in June 1998. His oldest son, Sir John Raymond Perring, became the 2nd Baronet after him.