Harry Gordon Lionel Gordon-Roberts
Mayor of Oxford 1958
Harry Gordon Lionel Gordon-Roberts (1888–1958) was born at Littlemore in September 1888, and was educated at the Wesleyan Higher Grade School. Until the 1950s, he seems to have been called simply Harry Gordon Roberts.
At the time of the 1891 census Harry Roberts (as he was originally known) was just two years old, and can be found with his mother, Mary E. Roberts, who at the age of 30 was a lodging-house keeper living at 14 Pembroke Street. Born in London, she is described as married, but also as the head of the household, suggesting a separation. On census night they had just two boarders with them and a 15-year-old servant girl.
Gordon-Roberts started work at Oxford University Press, but then decided to go into the motor trade, working first for J. Coxeter and then from 1909 for William Morris at his famous Longwall garage.
In about 1909 Harry Gordon-Roberts married his Oxford-born wife Ruth. In the 1911 census “Harry Roberts” (33) was living with Ruth (22) at 75 Mill Street, Osney and described himself as “Chauffeur Mechanic (Motor Car Driver)”.
Gordon-Roberts was a keen footballer, and played as goalkeeper for Oxford City Reserves. During the First World War, he served with the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars. He served as a special constable between the wars, and during the Second World War he was made a full-time special constable, and later became a member of the Home Guard Upper Thames Motorboat Patrol.
He and his wife kept a general store at 26 Rymer’s Lane, Cowley from at least 1935 until his retirement in 1950.
Gordon-Roberts was elected councillor for the East ward in 1946. He was Sheriff of Oxford for 1953/3, and made an Alderman in 1953.
Gordon-Roberts served as Master of four Masonic Lodges, as president of the Frewen Club, and as Provincial Grand Master of the Oxford District of Independent Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society.
In 1955 he became landlord of the Red, White, & Blue pub at 47/48 James Street, and he and his wife went to live there.
In 1958 Gordon-Roberts was elected Mayor (for 1958/9), but died on Monday 24 October that year, five months after taking up office, at the age of 70. His funeral was held at the City Church of St Michael and All Saints, followed by cremation. He was survived by his wife and his only child, Mrs A. J. Bowring.
See also:
- Oxford Times, 24 October 1958, p. 20b–d (obituary)
- 1891 Census, Oxford (St Aldate 2), 1167/31