Sir Charles Swann, 1st Baronet

Who was Sir Charles Swann, 1st Baronet?

Sir Charles Ernest Swann, 1st Baronet, was a British businessman and Liberal Party politician.

He was born as Charles Ernest Schwann, fifth son of J Frederick Schwann of Gloucester Square, London and Henrietta Kell of Birmingham. His father carried on business in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, and Charles received his early education in the town. He subsequently attended Owen's College, Manchester and University College, London.

Swann became a merchant in Manchester, and became a leading member of the Liberal movement in the city. He was, by turn, the secretary, treasurer and president of the Manchester Liberal Federation. He was also president of the Manchester Reform Club and for nine years president of the National Reform Union.

In 1885 he was the unsuccessful Liberal candidate for the new constituency of Manchester North. However, another general election was held in the following year, and Swann was elected as member of parliament. He was to remain Manchester North's MP until 1918. He was regarded as an "advanced radical", and took an interest in the constitutional affairs of India, attending the opening of the National Indian Congress in 1890.