Robert Hugh Hanley Baird

Sir Robert Hugh Hanley Baird (1855–1934) was a newspaper proprietor from Northern Ireland. He was born in Belfast and educated at Model School and Royal Belfast Academical Institution. In 1869, he entered the firm of W. & G. Baird, Arthur Street, Belfast, and was present at the first publication of The Telegraph, on 1 September 1870. Baird served as managing director of W & G Baird from 1886 until his death in 1934. He founded and owned a series of newspapers, including: the Belfast Weekly Telegraph (1873), Ballymena Weekly Telegraph (1887), Ireland's Saturday Night (1894), Belfast Telegraph (1904), Irish Daily Telegraph (1904) and The Larne Times (1891).

Baird was a lifelong member and supporter of St George's Church, Belfast. He died in 1934 and is buried in Belfast City Cemetery. After his death a stained glass window by Clokey & Co. in Belfast was erected in his memory by the parishioners of his church, depicting the Good Samaritan.

Offices Held

• President, Master Printers' Federation of Great Britain and Ireland, 1910
• President, Irish Newspaper Society, 1913–1925
• Chairman, Ulster District, Institute of Journalists, 1916 and Fellow of the Institute
• Chairman, Belfast District, Newspaper Press Fund, 1910–1934
• Irish Representative, Admiralty, War Office and Press Committee 1916-1934
• Member Advisory Trade Committee of Paper Commission
• Freeman, City of London and Member of Worshipful Company of Stationers (1921–1934)
• Member of Senate of Queen's University, Belfast (1929–1934).

Arms

References