Henry John Roby (1830–1915)

Educational reformer and classical scholar. Educated at Bridgnorth grammar school and St John’s College, Cambridge. Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge, 1854; lecturer, 1855. Member then secretary of the syndicate that set up the Cambridge local examinations. Second master, Dulwich College, 1861–5. Compiled a Latin grammar. Professor of jurisprudence, University College, London, 1866–8. Secretary to the endowed schools inquiry commission, 1869; commissioner, 1872–4. Supported the founding of Girton College, Cambridge, and the Manchester High School for Girls. Succeeded Friedrich Engels as junior partner in Ermen and Engels, a firm of sewing-cotton manufacturers in Manchester, 1874–94. Served on the council of Owens College, and as a governor of Manchester Grammar School.