Sir William Bass, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir William Arthur Hamar Bass, 2nd Baronet (born December 24, 1879 – died February 28, 1952) was a British man who loved and owned racehorses. He was very important in the world of horse racing. He also helped the British film industry when it was just starting.
Life Story
William Bass was the son of Hamar Alfred Bass and Louisa Bagot. His family was famous for starting the well-known Bass brewery company. This company was founded by William Bass.
He went to Harrow School and then to Trinity College, Cambridge. However, he decided to join the army instead. He became an officer, a second lieutenant, in the 3rd Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment in 1898.
In 1899, he joined a different army group called the 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars. He fought in the Second Boer War in South Africa from 1900 to 1902. During this time, he was promoted to lieutenant. After the war, he returned to England in 1902. He also served in the First World War with the Reserve Regiments of Cavalry.
Sir William lived at Byrkley Lodge in Staffordshire. In 1909, he became a Baronet of Stafford after his uncle, Baron Burton, passed away. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.
Sir William, also known as "Billy" Bass, was the first leader of Provincial Cinematograph Theatres. This company started in 1909. Its goal was to open cinemas in many big towns across the UK. He also gave money to help the London Film Company.
However, Billy Bass was most famous for his racehorses. He was a member and leader of the Jockey Club. He was also part of the National Hunt Committee and helped lead the Royal Hunt. He had his first big win in 1903 with a horse named Grey Tick. He also owned other famous horses like Rosedrop, Cyllene, and Sceptre. He helped start the Northolt Park Racecourse in 1929.
In 1947, Sir William continued his family's tradition of helping the Burton upon Trent area. He gave five bells to All Saints Church. These bells were installed as a special memorial for war heroes.
Family Life
In 1903, Sir William married Lady (Wilmot Ida) Noreen Hastings. She was the daughter of the 14th Earl of Huntingdon and was also a well-known sportswoman.
Sir William passed away at 72 years old. He did not have any children. Because of this, his baronetcy title ended. He left his money to his wife's nephew, Peter Hastings. Peter later changed his name to Hastings-Bass. Peter's oldest son, William Edward Robin Hood Hastings-Bass, is now the 17th Earl of Huntingdon.
