John Esplen

Sir John Esplen, 1st Baronet, (7 April 1863 – 7 February 1930) was an English shipbuilder.

Early life and education Esplen was born on 7 April 1863 at Blundellsands, near Liverpool, one of twelve children of William Esplen and Susannah (née Park). His father was a consulting engineer and naval architect.

Esplen received his early education at Liverpool College. He was apprenticed to the Liverpool engineering firm of Fawcett, Preston & Co Ltd and gained further experience with Earle's Shipbuilding and Engineering Company at Hull.

Esplen became chairman of Esplen & Sons Ltd of Liverpool, with branch offices worldwide, and Messrs Esplen, Son & Swainston Ltd of London. He also held directorships of about thirty other companies, mainly concerned with shipping and shipbuilding, often holding prominent positions on the boards.

During the First World War, he served as director of the Oversea Ship Purchase and Sale Department at the Ministry of Shipping, and continued as chief professional adviser into the 1920s. In the June 1921 civil service honours, he was created a baronet, of Hardres Court in the County of Kent, with the letters patent issued on 14 July 1921.

Personal life and death Esplen married Laura Louise Dickenson on 26 January 1898. The couple had two children.