Laurence Cecil Bartlett Gower

Laurence Cecil Bartlett Gower (29 December 1913 – 25 December 1997) known as 'Jim' and universally credited as "LCB Gower" in his writings, was a lawyer and academic who was Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton from 1971–79.

Early life He was born in Forest Gate, London (then part of Essex) and educated at Lindisfarne College. He then attended University College, London graduating LLB with first class honours in 1933 and LLM in 1934. He qualified as a solicitor in 1937. and subsequently vice-chancellor, University of Southampton from 1971 to 1979.

During his time at Southampton, there was increasing financial stringency and increasing student numbers. However, the new Medical School expanded and there was provision of special residential facilities for disabled students. All first year students were able to live in university accommodation. At the same time, he served on Harold Wilson's Royal Commission on the Press. After retirement he was asked by the Department of Trade to provide advice to the Government on financial services resulting in the Financial Services Act 1986. He is best known for his work in the UK company law, where he authored the leading treatise, now taken over by PL Davies,

Personal life On 7 September 1939, he married Helen Margaret Shepperson (Peggy) Birch (22 March 1911– 22 June 1999), a secondary school teacher, and they had two sons and a daughter. He died in Camden, London.