Norman Forbes-Robertson

Who was Norman Forbes-Robertson?

Norman Forbes-Robertson was the son of John Forbes-Robertson and one of the 11 siblings of Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson. He was also a notable actor and a friend of Ellen Terry, Oscar Wilde, Edward Elgar and Henry Irving. Together with Bram Stoker, he helped to organize Irving's funeral; a large body of letters connected with this event still exist.

Forbes-Robertson was a prominent member of London's exclusive Garrick Club. According to "The History of the Tie", one afternoon in the 1920s, he wore a salmon-and-cucumber tie to lunch at the Garrick Club, joking that it was the official club tie. Thereafter it was adopted as such.

In the early 20th century, he owned and restored Stocks Mill in Wittersham, Kent. He was an early motorist, employing his own chauffeur. He was the father of the actor Frank Forbes-Robertson.