Sir Charles Ernest Swann, 1st Baronet, was a British businessman and Liberal Party politician.
Background
He was born as Charles Ernest Schwann, fifth son of J Frederick Schwann of Gloucester Square, London (and originally from Frankfurt, Germany) and Henrietta Kell of Birmingham. His father carried on business in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, and Charles received his early education in the town.
Education
He subsequently attended Owen"s College, Manchester and University College, London.
Career
He was, by turn, the secretary, treasurer and president of the Manchester Liberal Federation. He was also president of the Manchester Reform Club and for nine years president of the National Reform Union. In 1885 he was the unsuccessful Liberal candidate for the new constituency of Manchester North.
He was to remain Manchester North"s Member of Parliament until 1918.
He was regarded as an "advanced radical", and took an interest in the constitutional affairs of India, attending the opening of the National Indian Congress in 1890. In 1906 Charles Schwann was created a baronet "of Prince"s Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington" and in 1911 he was as appointed to the Privy Council.
In 1913 Schwann changed his surname to Swann by royal licence. Sir C East Swann died at his residence in Birkdale, Lancashire in 1929, aged 85.
He was buried in Putney Vale Cemetery.
Membership
24th United Kingdom Parliament. 25th United Kingdom Parliament. 26th United Kingdom Parliament.
27th United Kingdom Parliament.
28th United Kingdom Parliament. 29th United Kingdom Parliament.
30th United Kingdom Parliament]
Swann became a merchant in Manchester, and became a leading member of the Liberal movement in the city. However, another general election was held in the following year, and Swann was elected as member of parliament.