Henry Gladstone, 1st Baron Gladstone Of Hawarden

Henry Neville Gladstone, 1st Baron Gladstone of Hawarden (2 April 1852 – 28 April 1935), was a British businessman and politician. He was the third son of William Ewart Gladstone, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom four times.

Born at Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales, Gladstone was the seventh child of William Ewart Gladstone and his wife, Catherine Glynne. His family was prominent in political and social circles. Gladstone's education included attendance at a church preparatory school in Norfolk under Reverend William Montagu Higginson, followed by studies at Eton College and King's College London.

In 1871, Gladstone commenced his career in the London office of Gladstone, Wylie & Co., a firm established by his paternal grandfather, Sir John Gladstone. Between 1874 and 1888, he worked with Gillanders, Arbuthnot and Company in India. He became a junior partner in 1881, and in 1883, his father provided him with £4,000 to purchase a senior partnership within the firm.

Gladstone served as private secretary to his father during his tenure as Prime Minister. His business activities extended to directorships of the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) and the B.I. Steamship Company.

In public service, Gladstone held the position of Alderman on Flint County Council in 1916. He inherited the Lord of the Manor of Hawarden estate following the death of his nephew, William Glynne Charles Gladstone, in April 1915, who was killed in action during World War I. Gladstone purchased the estate's succession, settled outstanding debts, and undertook improvements to the property, making Hawarden his residence from 1921 until his death.

He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire, succeeding his nephew, and served as President of the University College of North Wales at Bangor. Gladstone also held the positions of Justice of the Peace for Flintshire and Cheshire. In recognition of his services, he received an honorary LL.D. degree and was elevated to the peerage as Baron Gladstone of Hawarden on 22 June 1932, of Hawarden in the County of Flint. In 1934, he was appointed Constable of Flint Castle.

Regarding his personal life, Lord Gladstone married the Hon. Maud Ernestine Rendel on 30 January 1890 at St George's, Hanover Square, London. Maud was the daughter of Stuart Rendel, 1st Baron Rendel, and Ellen Sophy Hubbard. The marriage produced no children. Lord Gladstone passed away in April 1935 at the age of 83; with his death, the barony became extinct.

References and supplementary information about Gladstone can be found on the Peerage.com website and in the National Archives.