| Description | William B Robinson, son of John Bradbury Robinson (the founder of the firm), joined the company in 1839. In 1850 he took responsibility for the Chip Box department, and in 1854 became a partner along with his father. In the same year, William bought a second-hand lint frame (the purchase of which is recorded in his cash book, D5395/19/1) and established Robinsons' cotton and dressings department. In 1893 William became Chairman and Director of the new limited company, Robinson and Sons Ltd.
William was a member of the Soresby Street Congregational Church and late of the Brampton Congregational Church. He was elected to the Chesterfield Borough Council in 1871, became an Alderman in 1892 and was Mayor in 1893. He then represented Chesterfield on Derbyshire County Council until 1901. He was also on the Brampton School Board, was a Director of the Chesterfield Gas and Water Company, and was a Governor of Chesterfield Grammar School.
Although the items listed below relate predominantly to the business, they also refer in part to WBR's personal accounts. Other documents relating to WBR are to be found in series D5395/20 below. |