Robert Abraham Burrows


Sir Robert Abraham Burrows JP KBE, was a British businessman and Liberal Party politician.

Background

Burrows was born the son of Miles Formby Burrows and Gertrude Dawbarn. He was educated at The Leys School, Cambridge. In 1911, he married Eleanor Doris Bainbridge. Sir Robert and Lady Burrows had two son and two daughters. In 1937 he was awarded a knighthood in the New Year's Honours. In 1952 he was awarded a Knight Commander in the New Year's Honours for services to the disabled.

Career

Burrows was Chairman of Lancashire Associated Collieries. He was Chairman of Directors, Remploy Ltd. In July 1947, as Chairman of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, Burrows presented a display of flowers in the shape of a "large heart" at Crewe railway station as a "personal tribute" to farewell Princess Elizabeth, her fiancé Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth who were leaving for Scotland aboard the Royal Train. Through their mutual involvement in the National Association of Boys' Clubs, Burrows enjoyed "direct contact and friendship" with the Duke of York, who occasionally stayed with Burrows at his Bonis Hall home in Prestbury, Cheshire.

Political career

Burrows was Liberal candidate for the Leigh division of Lancashire at the 1923 General Election. He hoped to regain a set lost to Labour in 1922 when his Liberal predecessor finished third. He was unsuccessful but managed to claim second place. He did not stand for parliament again.

Electoral record

He served as a Justice of the peace for the County of Lancaster. In 1940 he served as High Sheriff of Cheshire.