Charles Spencer Denman, 5th Baron Denman

Charles Spencer Denman, 5th Baron Denman (7 July 1916 – 21 November 2012), was a British businessman. His interest in the Middle East, formed during the Second World War, was the focus for most of his business endeavours.

Early life Denman was born on 7 July 1916 in Penrith, Cumberland. He was the eldest son of Sir Richard Denman, 1st Baronet, who sat as Liberal Member of Parliament for Carlisle and then as Labour MP for Leeds. He was educated at Shrewsbury School.

Military service Denman joined the Territorial Army in 1936 and served during World War II with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. He attained the rank of Major in 1943 and retired from service in 1945.

Denman succeeded to his father's baronetcy in 1957 upon his death, and to the Baron Denman title on the death of his first cousin in 1971. He sat as a Conservative peer in the House of Lords until 11 November 1999.

Personal life Denman married Sheila Anne Stewart, daughter of a Scottish colonel, in September 1943, at Cairo Cathedral. Together, they had one daughter and three sons. Lady Sheila died in 1987 and their eldest daughter Gillian died in 1999.

He was chair of the Saudi-British Society for many years as well as a trustee of Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Denman died in Highden, West Sussex, aged 96 on 21 November 2012. His titles were succeeded by his eldest son, Richard. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I in 2004.