Alfred David McAlpine

Sir Alfred David McAlpine was born on 6 November 1881 and died on 25 May 1944. He was the founder of the construction company Sir Alfred McAlpine & Son. McAlpine was the son of Sir Robert McAlpine, 1st Baronet, a prominent figure in the construction and civil engineering industry.

Following his educational pursuits, Alfred McAlpine served an apprenticeship within the family’s construction and civil engineering business. In his career, he was appointed to manage McAlpine (Midlands) Ltd in 1935. This subsidiary company covered the Midlands and Northwest regions of England. This appointment came after the deaths of Sir Robert McAlpine and his eldest son, which led Alfred to operate the company independently.

In 1940, a formal separation of the firms was arranged. The company name and operations in the Midlands were reverted to the original family enterprise. Meanwhile, Alfred established a new entity named Sir Alfred McAlpine & Son. Under a non-compete agreement with the parent company, Sir Alfred McAlpine & Son limited its activities to civil engineering projects within the North West of England.

He held the title of High Sheriff of Denbighshire for the term 1923–1924.

Alfred McAlpine was recognized with several honors. He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 1932 New Year Honours list. Additionally, he was appointed an Officer of the Venerable Order of Saint John on 20 December 1937.

In his personal life, McAlpine married Ethel May Williams in 1907. They had three children: a son named James, and two daughters, Gladys Gwendoline and Ethel Mary. In 1913, he purchased Marchwiel Hall, located in the village of Marchwiel in Denbighshire, North Wales. The estate was the home of the Marchwiel and Wrexham Cricket Club, which Alfred helped develop into a notable cricket setting. He was also involved in cricket as the chairman of the county cricket association and played for Denbighshire during the 1926–27 season.