Corbett Sir Archibald Cameron 1856-1933 1st Baron of Rowallan politician and philanthropist

Archibald Cameron Corbett was born on 23 May 1856 , the son of Thomas Corbett of South Park, Cove, Argyll & Bute, Scotland and Sarah, daughter of Archibald Cameron. His father was the founder of the Glasgow Central Working Men's Club & Institute, Glasgow, Scotland, the first Working Men's Club in Scotland. He was educated at Glasgow Academy, and went into business at the age of 20, leading to his involvement in the management of his father's estate at Woodgrange, London, England. He inherited this estate on his father's death, continuing the development of workmen's clubs, cottages, allotments and gardens there.

In 1887, he married Alice Mary, only child of John Polson of Castle Levan, Gourock, Scotland, and had two sons, Thomas Godfrey and Arthur Cameron and one daughter, Elsie Cameron. He contested the parliamentary seat of North Warwickshire, England, in 1884. He was elected Liberal MP for the Tradeston district of Glasgow in 1885 , continuing as MP until 1911 . He was also a Justice of the Peace for Warwickshire, England and Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Archibald Corbett was well-known as a politician and a philanthropist, being a prominent benefactor of the City of Glasgow. In recognition of his parliamentary service and his generosity to the citizens of Glasgow in gifting Rouken Glen Park and Ardgoil Estate, Argyll & Bute, for recreational use, he was granted the Freedom of the City of Glasgow on 21 January 1908 . He held particularly strong views on the 'Irish Question', taking part in the campaign against Home Rule for Ireland with Lord Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Roseberry; John Bright; and Joseph Chamberlain. His philanthropic work included giving financial support to a number of religious and social movements, including the Foundry Boy's Society and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). He was also very active in the work of the Temperance Movement in Scotland.

He was created Baron Rowallan on 27 June 1911 , and following his elevation to the House of Lords he made a hobby of showing visitors around both Houses of Parliament. His sudden death on 19 March 1933 , whilst reading at his gentleman's club, Brook's Club, London, prompted numerous public expressions of condolence.

Source: Who's Who

From the guide to the Papers of Sir Archibald Cameron Corbett, 1856-1933, 1st Baron of Rowallan, 1874-1975, (Glasgow University Archive Services)