Henry Robson

The son of a North Yorkshire grocer, Henry Robson moved to Bournemouth in 1891 and became a big part of the community in the area. He served as a member of the Bournemouth Town Council from 1900 and, at the time of his death in 1932, was regarded as the “Father” of the Council. A councillor, alderman and Justice of the Peace (JP), Robson was Bournemouth Mayor for two terms in 1915-16. In 1930 he was appointed a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire

Robson also enjoyed a 30-year career in the Bournemouth Volunteer Fire Brigade, having joined them shortly after moving to the town. He was a member of their team at the 1900 Paris Olympics, and worked his way up through the ranks until 1912 when he was appointed captain. He retired in 1922.

Robson headed the firm of provision merchants Robson & Son with outlets in Bournemouth suburbs, and in other Hampshire and Dorset towns. He only retired from the business the day before he died. In 1907 Robson was involved in the Brownsea Island experimental camp with Baden Powell, which led to the formation of the Boy Scout movement.