Thomas Ferens

Thomas Robinson Ferens (1847 – 1930) was a philanthropist, industrialist and British Parliamentarian.

Ferens was born at New Shildon, County Durham. He began work on the railways aged 13 and came to Kingston upon Hull to work as a clerk for Reckitt and Sons Ltd where he rose to become a director and chairman.
Ferens was the Liberal Member of Parliament for Hull East from 1906 to 1918. In 1912 he was made High Steward of Hull and was appointed to the Privy Council by King George V. He was said to have turned down a title more than once.

Ferens accumulated considerable wealth, but did not live a luxurious life. He became one of the Hull's greatest benefactors. His gifts included the land for Hull's East Park, the money and site for Ferens Art Gallery and a sizeable gift towards the foundation of The University College of Hull which in 1954 became The University of Hull. His gifts to the city totalled more than one million pounds.

References

* [http://www.hullalumni.org/info/Thomas-Ferens.cfm The University of Hull Alumni Site]
* [http://hullwebs.co.uk/content/k-victorian/people/thomas-ferens/thomas-ferens.htm Hullwebs History of Hull]