Henry Robertson Hartley (12 November 1777 Southampton - 24 May 1850 Calais, France) was an eccentric and philanthropist and is the founder of the Hartley Institute which became the University of Southampton.[1]
His father was George Robinson, a mayor of Southampton and JP who was also a strict Calvinist.
Hartley attended Southampton Grammar School (now King Edward VI School, Southampton).[2] A a reaction against his strict upbringing as a youth he adopted a Libertarian lifestyle. This left him with VD which gave him problems during the rest of his life. His marriage in 1798 was a failure and was annulled in 1802.
In 1821 he inherited a considerable fortune on his mothers death. He lead a reclusive life and in 1842 made a will leaving most of his estate to the city of Southampton. He wished his house to be a museum promote the study of natural history, astronomy, antiquities, classics, and oriental literature. The Hartley Institution was founded in 1862 by the city combining a museum, library and venue for public lectures. It evolved into Hartley College (1896), Hartley University College (1902), University College of Southampton (1914), and the University of Southampton (1952). Hartley's house was demolished.