William Watson-Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong facts for kids
William Henry Armstrong Fitzpatrick Watson-Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong (born May 3, 1863 – died October 16, 1941), was an important British person who gave a lot of money to good causes. He was also known as Lord Armstrong.
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Early Life and Family
William Watson-Armstrong was born in London. His birth name was William Watson. He went to two famous schools: Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge.
His family had some important people. His great-uncle was William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong, who started a huge company called Armstrong Whitworth. This company made many things, including ships and weapons. In 1889, William Watson added "Armstrong" to his name to honor his family's connection to this important industrialist.
Public Service and Military Role
William Watson-Armstrong was involved in public life. He served in a military group called the Northumberland Hussars. He became a Major in this group in 1902.
He also held important local roles. In 1899, he was the High Sheriff of Northumberland. This was a very old and respected position, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county. In 1901, he became a Deputy Lieutenant for Northumberland, which meant he helped the King's representative in the county.
A Generous Gift
In 1900, William Watson-Armstrong inherited a huge amount of money from his great-uncle, William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong. This made him very wealthy.
The very next year, he decided to use some of his new wealth for a good cause. He gave £100,000 to build a new hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. This hospital was named the Royal Victoria Infirmary. That amount of money was worth a lot more back then, like millions of pounds today! Because of his amazing generosity, the city made him an "Honorary Freeman" in 1901. This is a special title given to people who have done great things for a city.
Becoming a Baron
In 1901, he received an honorary degree from the University of Durham. This was a special award for his achievements.
In 1903, he was given a special title by the King. He became a Baron, which is a type of noble title in the United Kingdom. His full title was Baron Armstrong, of Bamburgh and Cragside. This title had belonged to his great-uncle, Lord Armstrong, but it had ended when his great-uncle died. So, William Watson-Armstrong brought the title back.
Family Life
Lord Armstrong was married three times. His first wife was Winifreda Jane Adye, whom he married in 1889. They had one son and one daughter.
After Winifreda died in 1914, he married Beatrice Elizabeth Cowx in 1916. She passed away in 1934. His third wife was Kathleen England, whom he married in 1935. His last two marriages did not have children.
Lord Armstrong passed away in October 1941, when he was 78 years old. His only son, William Watson-Armstrong, 2nd Baron Armstrong, inherited his title.
