Ernest Debenham

Who was Ernest Debenham?

Sir Ernest Ridley Debenham, 1st Baronet, was an English businessman. He was responsible for the considerable expansion of the family's retail and wholesale drapery firm between 1892 and 1927.

Born at 42 Wigmore Street, Marylebone, he was the son of Frank Debenham and his wife Emma Folkard née Ridley. Educated at Marlborough College and Trinity College, Cambridge, At the age of 27 he joined the successful business of Debenham & Co., which had been run by his grandfather and father. His restructuring activities led to the splitting of the manufacturing from the retail side of the business, under the name Debenham & Freebody. He effected a merger with Marshall & Snelgrove as well as a takeover of Harvey Nichols. He was noted for his paternalistic attitude towards his staff, providing medical and educational support. He was also a pioneer in the dairy industry.

On 8 November 1892 he married Cicely Kenrick, daughter of William Kenrick. The couple had eight children.

Debenham had an interest in politics, and was a supporter of the Conservative Party. Although he considered entering parliament his business interests prevented this. He did enter local politics however.