Background
Bell was born in Preston, the son of a doctor, and was educated at Preston Grammar School and University College School in London.
Bell was born in Preston, the son of a doctor, and was educated at Preston Grammar School and University College School in London.
He was admitted a solicitor in 1888. In 1891 he was appointed Assistant Town Clerk of Birmingham and in 1894 he became Town Clerk of Leicester. In May 1902 he was elected Town Clerk of the City of London from a large number of candidates.
In this role he was chief executive of the Corporation of London.
Bell conducted the Corporation"s business rapidly and efficiently and did not expect his instructions to be debated by his subordinates. He retired in 1935, having been persuaded not to by the Corporation every year since 1931.
Nevertheless, he was highly respected by his staff, by the members of the Corporation, and by the businessmen of the City.