Michael Swinfen-Broun

Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Alexander Wilsone Swinfen-Broun JP (1858–1948 ) was a soldier, magistrate, and benefactor of the city of Lichfield, England, The battalion was embodied in May 1901, and the following month left for service in South Africa during the Second Boer War. Following the end of hostilities, Broun returned with most of the battalion in July 1902. He was mentioned in despatches for his services during the war, and on 5 April 1905 he was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, and was its only remaining officer on the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

He was High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1907.

Philanthropy

Among Swinfen-Broun's many acts of charity were donations to Lichfield's Victoria Hospital, where he was president of the management committee from 1913-27.

He also bequeathed his family home, the 1757 Swinfen Hall, to the Church and City of Lichfield. Most of the land was sold off and the hall stood unoccupied for many years until acquired in 1987 by the present owners and converted to an hotel.

Other bequests included silver plate and sporting trophies to Lichfield City Council.

Honours

Swinfen-Broun was elected freeman of the City and County of Lichfield in 1936.

Memorials

He is commemorated by a memorial in Beacon Park, comprising two plaques on opposite sides of a block of sandstone, unveiled in 1972 by the then Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor W.J. Wilson J.P., who became the first chairman of The Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust.

His family coat of arms is depicted in stained glass on the side of Lichfield Guildhall.