Percy Corder

“ The ‘Spence Watson’ prize in English literature was founded in Armstrong College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, out of funds which he bequeathed to the college. A fund to establish at the college a Spence Watson lectureship in English literature is in process of formation by members of the Literary and Philosophical Institution, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. ”

“ Spence Watson was made hon. LL.D. of St. Andrews in 1881. One of the earliest in England to interest himself in the adaptation of electrical power to industrial purposes, he helped the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply Company, Limited, on Tyneside to acquire parliamentary powers in 1890. He died on 2 March 1911 at his residence, Bensham Grove, Gateshead, which he had inherited from his father, and was buried at Jesmond old cemetery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He married on 9 June 1863 Elizabeth, daughter of Edward and Jane Richardson of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He had one son and five daughters. ”

“ Spence Watson was an enthusiastic politician and a lifelong adherent of the liberal party. In 1874 he founded the Newcastle Liberal Association on a representative basis of ward elections, and was its president from 1874 to 1897. From 1890 to 1902 he was president of the National Liberal Federation. ”