Reginald Hanson

Sir Reginald Hanson Bt, Kt, JP, DL, FSA (31 May 1840 – 18 April 1905) was Lord Mayor of London and a British Conservative Party politician.

The son of Samuel and Mary Hanson (nee Choppin), Reginald was educated at Tonbridge, Rugby School and Trinity College, Cambridge (MA, LLD). Former Archbishop of Canterbury, the then headmaster of Rugby School Dr Frederick Temple said of Hanson on his departure, "I have a most sincere and warm regard for him. The manly desire he shows to get rid of his faults, and to do his duty, will always deserve the respect of all who know him. There are a few from who I part with so much regret at my own loss". Indeed this sense of duty was upheld and he held numerous positions of public office.

Following graduation, the young Reginald joined the Commercial Union Assurance Company (now part of Aviva plc) which was previously co-founded by his father Samuel. Within a year he was appointed to the Board of directors where he remained until 1882. By this time, he had already joined the family wholesale grocery business, Samuel Hanson & Son.

He held a number of civic posts notably as an Alderman of Billingsgate (London) from 1880 and Sheriff of London and Middlesex, 1881-82. In 1886 he was elected Lord Mayor of London, during which time Queen Victoria celebrated her Jubilee year. In 1887, Sir Reginald entertained Her Majesty at the Mansion House where he was created a Baronet by her, having previously been Knighted. Guests that day included the explorer Henry Morton Stanley and Judge Thomas Hughes author of Tom Brown's Schooldays.

Conservative Member of Parliament for the City of London from 1891 to 1900, Hanson was also an Honorary Colonel of the 6th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).

He died in 1905 leaving two sons, Gerald (Sir Gerald Stanhope Hanson, 2nd Baronet), Francis (Sir Francis Stanhope Hanson - Knight Bachelor) and two daughters, Violet and Maud.

References

*Rayment