Herbert Fitton Stockdale FRSE LLD (1865–1951) was a 19th/20th century British university administrator.

Life He was born in Ravensthorpe in Yorkshire on 13 January 1865 and educated in the Boothroyd School.

In 1889, at age 21, he became Assistant secretary at the College of Science in Newcastle-upon-Tyne (linked to Durham University), becoming Secretary in 1891. In 1899, he became Secretary and Treasurer to the Royal Technical College in Glasgow (later renamed Strathclyde University) where he rose ro be Director of the College in 1903. At this time he was living at "Clairinch" in Milngavie.Glasgow Post Office directory 1900

In 1902, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. His proposers were Magnus Maclean, Sir Francis Grant Ogilvie, Sir Robert Pullar and Frank Watson Young. In 1919 he was awarded an honorary doctorate (LLD) by Glasgow University.

By 1910, he had moved to Helensburgh, naming his home again Clairinch after his previous house.Glasgow Post Office Directory 1910

In 1916, he wrote the obituary for Eugene Bourdon but his connection is unclear.

In 1923, he became a Member of the Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow.Proceedings of the Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow 1923

He retired in 1933, and died at home in Helensburgh on 28 December 1951 aged 86.The Chemical Age (journal) vol 66, 1952

The Herbert Stockdale Papers now form part of the University of Strathclyde's collections.

Family

In 1894, he married Helen Steven, daughter of Andrew Steven of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Artistic portrayal

He was portrayed by Francis Henry Newbery around 1920.

References