Sir Alexander Grant, 10th Baronet

Sir Alexander Grant, 10th Baronet, FRSE (23 September 1826 – 30 November 1884) was a British landowner and historian who served as Principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1868 to 1884. He had strong links to India, especially Bombay.

Biography

Early life He was born in New York City, the son of Sir Robert Innes Grant, 9th Baronet of Dalvey, and his wife, Judith Towers Battelle. His early education took place in America and the family then returned to Britain.

He was educated at Harrow School from 1839 to 1845 then went to Balliol College, Oxford graduating BA in 1848 and MA in 1852.

His father became 9th Baronet of Dalvey in 1854 on the death of his brother, Sir Alexander Grant, 8th Baronet. When his father died in 1856 Alexander became the 10th baronet.

Edinburgh and final years

In 1868, upon the death of Sir David Brewster, he was appointed Principal of Edinburgh University. From that time till his death, much of his energies were devoted to the well-being of the University. The institution of the new medical school in the University (at Teviot Place) was almost solely due to his initiative; and the Tercentenary Festival, celebrated in 1884, was the result of his enthusiasm. In that year he published The Story of the University of Edinburgh during its First Three Hundred Years.

From 1872 (following the Scottish Education Act of that year) he was a Member of the Board of Education, overseeing a huge programme of school construction across Scotland. He sat on the board until 1878, by which time the construction period was drawing to an end.

He died at his Edinburgh address of 21 Lansdowne Crescent in the west end of the city.

He is buried in Dean Cemetery in western Edinburgh.

Honorary degrees

1865 – Honorary LLD, Edinburgh University 1880 – Honorary DCL, University of Oxford 1882 – Honorary Fellow, Oriel College

Family In 1859 Grant was married to Susan Ferrier, daughter of James Frederick Ferrier. They had eight children. Their two first sons died in infancy. The six remaining children were:

Sir Ludovic James Grant, 11th Baronet (1862-1936) Julia Mary Grant (1864-1952) Sylvia Grant (1867-1935) Dr Percy Frere Grant (1869-1909) Sir Hamilton Grant, 12th Baronet (1872-1937) Susan Ferrier Grant (1873-1968)

Personal life

A keen golfer, Grant was a regular at the Elie Golf Club and was caddied by a young Archie Simpson for many years, his favourite.

Recognition

Grant is remembered at the University of Edinburgh to this day with a building named after him: Grant House in Pollock Halls of Residence.