Robert Martin 1808 – 1897

Robert Martin, fourth son of John Martin (also of Overbury Court) worked in London in the family bank of Martins of 68 Lombard Street. He was one of the first occupants of Eaton Square in London where he lived with his family while working for the bank for over 35 years. When he retired to live at Overbury he was responsible for many of the buildings and facilities in the village. With his son (Richard Biddulph Martin) he commissioned Richard Norman Shaw RA to build the Village School and the Village Hall in 1896.  On August 14th 1896, with a large gathering of villagers, he celebrated the opening of the hall (see photograph on the front page). He had stipulated that local workforce as much as possible should be used to build it.  He was presented with a silver key from the builders in remembrance of the occasion and an address from the builders was read by the Overbury vicar, Rev C Glynn – this was signed by Alfred Ancill, William Baylis, W S Ancill & JW Ancill.  Robert married Mary Biddulph (from another banking family) and they celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in Queen Victoria’s jubilee year of 1887. They had two sons, Richard and John, and two daughters Penelope & Julia. Robert was a Worcestershire magistrate & became High Sheriff in 1877.