Henry William Bruton

Henry William Bruton (14 May 1843 – 18 December 1920) was a Gloucester businessman who was a key figure in the development of the city during the later part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. He was born in Newent, Gloucestershire, on 14 May 1843, the son of Henry Bruton Snr.

Professional life In 1862, Bruton's father moved to Gloucester and formed the estate agents and auctioneers Bruton, Knowles & Co. in partnership with William Knowles. Henry Jr. joined the firm in 1864 and became a partner in 1870. He was largely responsible for the development of the weekly Gloucester livestock market from 1871 but he was also involved in the sales of Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey and Cowley Manor. He was a director of the Gloucester Gas Light Company. and the Gloucester Rotary Club. He collected mezzotints. In 1871, Bruton married Flora Emily Tew Smith and they had six sons and six daughters. One daughter died in 1894 and a son, Basil, was killed in Italy during the First World War whilst serving with the Gloucestershire Regiment. Flora died in 1904. Bruton was buried with her at Matson. There is a photograph of Basil in the Imperial War Museum Catalogue, available on line .

Legacy The firm founded by Bruton's father, and which he successfully expanded, continues in business as Bruton Knowles Property Consultants and Bruton Way in Gloucester marks the family name.