Quick Facts
Biography
Sir Robert McAlpine, 1st Baronet (13 February 1847 – 3 November 1934), nicknamed "Concrete Bob", founded the British construction firm which is now known as Sir Robert McAlpine.
Career
He left school at the age of 10 to work in a coal mine, but became an apprentice bricklayer. He was involved in the building of roads, public buildings and other works, some of the tunnelling for the Glasgow Subway and the Singer Sewing Machine factory in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire. Overseas, in 1918 McAlpine was contracted to expand the harbour in Heraklion, Crete. The power station built for the purpose was later used to provide the town's electricity.
Construction company
McAlpine built up the large building and civil engineering firm that bears his name; it continues to exist today. He was also a pioneer in the use of concrete and labour-saving machinery. See also Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Baronet
He was made a baronet in June 1918. He was first of the McAlpine baronets.
Family
Robert McAlpine was married twice. On 12 June 1868, he married Agnes Hepburn (d. 1888). They had five sons: Robert (1868-1934), William Hepburn (1871-1950), Thomas Malcolm (1877-1967), Alfred David (1881-1944) and Granville (1882-1928) and two daughters, Agnes and Ethel. On 21 August 1889, he married Florence Margaret Palmer and had one son: Archibald Douglas (1890-1981) and two daughters, Emma and Roberta. Roberta married Richard Lloyd George and was the mother of Owen Lloyd George, 3rd Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor.
Styles of address
- 1847-1918: Mr Robert McAlpine
- 1918-1934: Sir Robert McAlpine Bt