Markham, Arthur, Sir, 1866 - 1916
Dates
- Existence: 1866 - 1916
Biography
Sir Arthur Basil Markham, Bart. (1866-1916) was the son of Charles Markham who was part owner of the family mine, Markham Main Colliery, in Chesterfield. On his mother's side he was the grandson of Sir Joseph Paxton, designer of the 1851 Great Exhibition's Crystal Palace. He was educated at Rugby School, and from 1900 served as Liberal M.P. for the Mansfield Division of Nottinghamshire, being created a baronet in 1911. Arthur Markham's technical skill, commercial insight and courage helped the development of considerable parts of the English and Welsh coalfields. He is also credited with saving the Bullcroft Colliery Company's pit in South Yorkshire by winning a three-year fight against flooding.
Dr Violet Markham founded the Arthur Markham Memorial Fund in memory of her brother, Sir Arthur Markham, Bart. who died in 1916, and was administered by the University of Sheffield from 1927 until 1993.