Robert Bamford
| Robert Bamford | |
|---|---|
| Born |
1883 Lamarsh, Essex |
| Died | 1942 (aged 58–59) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Engineer, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founding Bamford & Martin (later Aston Martin) |
Robert Bamford (1883–1942) was a British engineer, who with Lionel Walker Birch Martin (1878– 21 October 1945), founded a company in January 1913 that became Aston Martin.
Early life
He was born in Lamarsh in Essex, and was the eldest son of Rev Robert Bamford (1854–1898). His grandfather was another Rev Robert Bamford (1825–1893) who was a vicar in Highworth, Wiltshire. His parents married in 1882.
His mother remarried after his father's death. His brother was Edward Bamford (1887–1928). Bamford, historically, is a Lancashire surname. He attended a university.
Career
Aston Martin
Bamford & Martin Ltd was founded at 16 Henniker Place in West Kensington (off Fulham Road – the A308) on 15 January 1913.[1] They produced their first Aston-Martin car, the Coal Scuttle, in March 1915. Robert Bamford was the engineer of the partnership.
In 1920 he retired from Bamford & Martin; Lionel Martin left in 1926. In the mid-1920s the company would undergo many changes of ownership. It would be largely through the ownership of David Brown Ltd. of Huddersfield that Aston-Martin would become the company renowned during the 1950s, who bought Aston-Martin for £20,500 (£716,000 current value) in 1947.
Personal life
He became engaged to Muriel Matilda Etches (born 1898) in May 1918, the eldest daughter of C.T.W. Etches. They were married in 1919 in Newton Abbot in Devon. They had a daughter, Patricia, born in Brentford in Middlesex in 1921.
He died in 1942 aged 59. His daughter married in 1948.