Robert Gower

The son of Joshua Robert Gower of Tunbridge Wells, and his wife Kate, daughter of John Fagge of Tonbridge, Robert Gower was admitted a solicitor in 1904. He was educated privately. In 1903, he obtained honours in the final examination of the Law Society. His younger daughter, Pauline Gower, headed the female branch of the Air Transport Auxiliary during the Second World War. == Career ==

Mayor of Tunbridge Wells in 1918–1919, it was announced in the 1919 Birthday Honours that he was to be knighted for support he had given to a scheme for preserving businesses in the absence of those serving in World War I, The title was conferred in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 18 August 1919. He had previously been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1919 New Year Honours. a seat which had been held by the Liberal Party since 1906. He did not contest Hackney Central at the 1929 general election, He held the seat until he retired from the Commons at the 1945 general election. ==Animal welfare activism==

Gower's career was most noted for his service on behalf of animals. From 1929 until his retirement in 1945, he served as chairman of the Animal Welfare Committee in Parliament. He introduced several measures and laws to protect animals, including the Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) Act of 1933, the Protection of Animals Act of 1934, the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act of 1937, and the Dogs Act of 1938. He was also a founding member and president of the Pit Ponies Protection Society, and was chairman and honorary treasurer of the National Canine Defence League. == Personal life ==

Robert Gower married Dorothy Susie Eleanor Wills (1882-1936). They had two daughters, Dorothy Vaughan Gower and Pauline Mary de Peauly Gower. The family lived at Sandown Court in Tunbridge Wells. Gower died on 6 March 1953 and was buried in the family tomb with his wife Dorothy and daughter Pauline who predeceased him. ==References==