Background
The son of Samuel and Mary Hanson (née Choppin), Reginald was educated at Tonbridge School, Rugby School and Trinity College, Cambridge (Master of Arts, Doctor of Laws).
Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom
The son of Samuel and Mary Hanson (née Choppin), Reginald was educated at Tonbridge School, Rugby School and Trinity College, Cambridge (Master of Arts, Doctor of Laws).
Trinity College; Rugby School.
The then headmaster of Rugby School Doctor Frederick Temple (later Archbishop of Canterbury) said of Hanson on his departure, "I have a most sincere and warm regard for him. The manly desire he shows to get rid of his faults, and to do his duty, will always deserve the respect of all who know him. There are a few from who I part with so much regret at my own loss".
Indeed this sense of duty was upheld and he held numerous positions of public office.
Following graduation, the young Reginald joined the Commercial Union Assurance Company (now part of Aviva plc) which was previously co-founded by his father Samuel. Within a year he was appointed to the Board of directors where he remained until 1882.
By this time, he had already joined the family wholesale grocery business, Samuel Hanson & Son Limited. He held a number of civic posts notably as an Alderman of Billingsgate (London) from 1880 and Sheriff of London and Middlesex, 1881-1882.
In 1886 he was elected Lord Mayor of London, during which time Queen Victoria celebrated her Jubilee year.
In 1887, Sir Reginald entertained Her Majesty at the Mansion House where he was created a Baronet by her, having previously been knighted. Guests that day included the explorer Henry Morton Stanley and Judge Thomas Hughes author of Tom Brown"s Schooldays.
24th United Kingdom Parliament. 25th United Kingdom Parliament. 26th United Kingdom Parliament]
From 1882-1885 Hanson was a member of the London School Board.
Conservative Member of Parliament for the City of London from 1891 to 1900, Hanson was also an Honorary Colonel of the 6th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).