William Henry Smith (1825–1891) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable William Henry Smith FRS
First Lord of the Treasury
In office 14 January 1887 – 6 October 1891
Monarch	Victoria
Prime Minister	The Marquess of Salisbury
Preceded by	The Marquess of Salisbury
Succeeded by	Arthur Balfour
Leader of the House of Commons
In office 14 January 1887 – 6 October 1891
Monarch	Victoria
Prime Minister	The Marquess of Salisbury
Preceded by	Lord Randolph Churchill
Succeeded by	Arthur Balfour
Personal details
Born	(1825-06-24)24 June 1825 London, England
Died	6 October 1891(1891-10-06) (aged 66)
Political party	Conservative
Spouses	Emily Danvers (1858–1913)
Alma mater	None

William Henry Smith (born June 24, 1825 – died October 6, 1891) was an important English businessman and politician. He helped grow his family's company, W H Smith, which sold books and newspapers. He became famous for setting up newsstands at railway stations. Later, he became a Member of Parliament and held several high-ranking government jobs. People sometimes joked about him being a character in a famous play because he was in charge of the navy without having any sea experience!

Early Life and Business Success

William Henry Smith was born in London. His father, also named William Henry Smith, owned a business that sold newspapers and books. Young William went to Tavistock Grammar School.

In 1846, he joined his father's company, which then became known as W H Smith & Son. They saw a big opportunity with the rise of railways. In 1848, they started opening small shops, called news-stands, at railway stations. The first one was at Euston.

By 1850, their business had grown a lot, with new depots in cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool. W H Smith became a well-known name across Britain. This success helped William Henry Smith become interested in politics. In 1878, he was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group of top scientists and thinkers.

Becoming a Politician

In 1868, William Henry Smith was elected as a Member of Parliament for Westminster. He was part of the Conservative Party.

In 1874, he got his first government job as the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. This meant he helped manage the country's money. Three years later, in 1877, he was given a very important role: First Lord of the Admiralty. This job meant he was in charge of the entire British Navy!

The "Pinafore" Connection

It was quite unusual for someone with no sea experience to lead the navy. This led to some jokes. People believed he was the inspiration for a character named Sir Joseph Porter in a popular play called H.M.S. Pinafore. This play was a funny musical about a man who rises to lead the navy despite never having sailed. Even the Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, sometimes called Smith "Pinafore Smith."

Smith held this navy role for three years.

Later Political Roles

After some changes in Parliament, Smith continued his political career. He served as Chief Secretary for Ireland for a short time. He was also the Secretary of State for War twice. This job meant he was in charge of the army.

In 1887, he became First Lord of the Treasury and Leader of the House of Commons. These were very powerful positions, making him a key figure in the government. In 1891, he also became the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a historic ceremonial role.

William Henry Smith was known for his serious and proper behavior. Some people even called him "Old Morality." He passed away in October 1891 at the age of 66. To honor him, his wife was given the title of Viscountess Hambleden.

Family Life

William Henry Smith married Emily Danvers in 1858. They had six children:

• Mabel Danvers Smith (who later married the 5th Earl of Harrowby)
• Emily Anna Smith (who married Admiral William Acland)
• Helen Smith
• Beatrice Danvers Smith
• Henry Walton Smith
• William Frederick Danvers Smith (who later inherited his mother's title)

His wife, Emily, the 1st Viscountess Hambleden, passed away in 1913. Their son, Frederick, then became the 2nd Viscount Hambleden.

Images for kids

• 

  Pinafore did not begin the mockery of Smith: This Punch cartoon is from 13 October 1877, months before the première of Pinafore.

• 

  A Long Distance Swim, W. H. Smith: "Hooray – another stroke or two and we've done it."

• 

  Emily, 1st Vicountess Hambleden, and her daughter (Richard Buckner)

• 

  Memorial in St Mary's Portsea

Endnotes