William Rootes, 1st Baron Rootes
The Lord Rootes | |
---|---|
Born | William Edward Rootes 17 August 1894 |
Died | 12 December 1964 | (aged 70)
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Businessman |
Known for | Founder of Rootes Group |
William Edward Rootes, 1st Baron Rootes GBE (17 August 1894 – 12 December 1964) was a British motor manufacturer. He opened his first car sales agency in 1913, leading to the global Rootes Group. During the Second World War he supervised the volume manufacture of aircraft and engines, as well as the supply of military motor vehicles and armoured fighting vehicles.[1] He was knighted in 1942 for these services and for organising the reconstruction of bomb-damaged Coventry after its saturation bombing by the Luftwaffe on 14–15 November 1940. In the 1950s, he became a leader of Britain's export drive,[1] and chaired a committee to found the University of Warwick with a vision of academic links with industry.[2] The Rootes Social Building and halls of residence were built at the university c. 1966, named posthumously in his honour.[2][3]
Early life
William (Billy) Rootes was born in
Billy attended
Public honours
William and Reginald were knighted in 1942 and 1946 respectively for their work in setting up
in 1959: his eldest son would accordingly become the second Baron Rootes on William's death.Personal
Rootes married his first wife, Nora Press, in 1916. The marriage produced two sons,
In 1958, Rootes bought Ramsbury Manor, Wiltshire.[7]
Death
William Rootes died in 1964. It had been intended that Rootes would be the first Chancellor of the University of Warwick; he is commemorated there by the Rootes Social Building, Rootes student residences, Rootes Grocery Store and the Lord Rootes Memorial Fund.
Arms
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See also
References
- ^ The Glasgow Herald, 14 December 1964
- ^ a b History of The University at University of Warwick official website
- ^ “Voices of the Campus”: February 2015 - Campus Development
- ^ a b Kent and Sussex Courier, 25 April 2008, p. 28
- ^ "World wide News and Comment: Lord Rootes to retire". Autocar. 138 (4021): 3. 21 June 1973.
- The Motor. 3576: 60. 16 January 1971.
- ^ Baggs, A.P.; Freeman, Jane; Stevenson, Janet H (1983). Crowley, D.A. (ed.). "Victoria County History: Wiltshire: Vol 12 pp12-46 - Parishes: Ramsbury". British History Online. University of London. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
- ^ Burke's Peerage. 2003.