Francis Willey, 1st Baron Barnby


Francis Willey, 1st Baron Barnby was an English wool merchant.
Willey was born in Bradford and joined his father's wool business, which later became Francis Willey & Co Ltd and had agencies all over the Dominions and the United States. Willey was also a great horseman, huntsman and racehorse owner. He was created Baron Barnby in the 1922 New Year Honours.
Willey was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant in the 2nd West Riding of Yorkshire Artillery Volunteers in December 1874. He was promoted Major in May 1888 and resigned in April 1891.
His seat was Blyth Hall, Nottinghamshire. He was appointed High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire for 1908. He was succeeded in the barony by his only son, Vernon.
His encounter in Perth Sheriff's Court, with Francis Metcalfe, is described in The River Runs Red by Mark Bridgeman, published in 2020.

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