William Noble

William Noble (22 April 1861 – 10 November 1943), known as Sir William Noble from 1920, was a former Chief Engineer of the Post Office, and a founder of the BBC.

Background Noble was born in a house on Back Street, now High Street, Fraserburgh the son of Alexander Begg Noble, master blacksmith and Elizabeth Brook.

Early career and study It is reported that Noble left school at 13. He started work as a telegraphist in Aberdeen aged 16. He studied Pitman's shorthand, and in his spare time studied English, mathematics and the principles of electricity and magnetism. He gained several medals and prizes, and was employed for a time as lecturer in electricity and telegraphy at Gordon's College, Aberdeen. His skill with shorthand led to an invitation to become a journalist, which he turned down. By 1893 he was appointed engineer-in-charge at the Aberdeen section of the Post Office. In 1901 he moved to London and played a leading role in the development of the telephone network in the capital. War had interrupted the development of the civilian telephone network. He had been responsible for the selection of suitable officers for the Signals Section of the Royal Engineers.

There were six applications for the post of General Manager; among them one from John Reith. Despite Reith's not knowing what 'broadcasting' was, he penned an application and posted it in his club's post-box. He then read about Noble in Who's Who, discovering his strong links to Aberdeen. He persuaded staff to open the post box, retrieved the application and reworked it with references to his roots in North East Scotland. His third wife, who he married on 17 April 1935, at Saint Columba's (Church of Scotland), Chelsea, was Ethel Elsie Jane Strachan. She was 41 and he 73. A memorial service was held at St Martins In the Fields on Weds 17th November 1943, with a large congregation in attendance.

Honours Noble was knighted in the 1920 Birthday honours list. He was awarded the Chevalier de I'Ordre de la Couronne by the King of Belgium following the First World War.