Sir Horace Lamb, 1849-1934

Abstract

Horace Lamb was born at Stockport, November 29, 1849. His father, John Lamb, was a foreman in a cotton mill, who had gained some distinction by an invention for the improvement of spinning machines. John Lamb died when his son was quite young. His widow married again and shortly afterwards Horace went to live with his mother’s sister, Mrs. Holland. By her he was brought up kindly, but in a severely Puritan manner. However, she valued education, and the boy was sent to the Stockport Grammar School, where he found a wise and kindly head master, the Rev. Charles Hamilton. To his insight and influence Lamb felt that he owed his start in life. Mr. Hamilton was an excellent teacher, both of classics and elementary mathematics, and from him we are told his pupil acquired a passing enthusiasm for the Greek and Latin poets.