Charles Spencer Denman, 5th Baron Denman (7 July 1916 – 21 November 2012), was a British businessman. His interest in the Middle East, formed during the Second World War, was the focus for most of his business endeavours.
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Early life
Denman was born on 7 July 1916 in Penrith, Cumberland. He was the eldest son of Sir Richard Denman, 1st Baronet, who sat as Liberal Member of Parliament for Carlisle and then as Labour MP for Leeds. He was educated at Shrewsbury School. He left school at 16 with no qualifications.
Following school, he began working as a gardener in Luton Hoo and then in St Mawes, Cornwall. He then set up a market garden at Mylor, Cornwall.
Military service
Denman joined the Territorial Army in 1936 and served during World War II with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. He was awarded the Military Cross (MC) on 13 August 1942 'in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East'. He attained the rank of Major in 1943 and retired from service in 1945.
Later career
In 1945, Denman unsuccessfully contested in the General Election for the seat of Leeds Central, from which his father had stepped down. A Conservative candidate, he came second in the poll, receiving some 5,000 votes fewer than the eventual winner, Labour's George Porter.
Denman succeeded to his father's baronetcy in 1957 upon his death, and to the Baron Denman title on the death of his first cousin in 1971. He sat as a Conservative peer in the House of Lords until 11 November 1999.
Personal life
Denman married Sheila Anne Stewart, daughter of a Scottish colonel, in September 1943, at Cairo Cathedral. Together, they had one daughter and three sons. Lady Sheila died in 1987 and their eldest daughter Gillian died in 1999.
He was chair of the Saudi-British Society for many years as well as a trustee of Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Denman died in Highden, West Sussex, aged 96 on 21 November 2012. His titles were succeeded by his eldest son, Richard.
Honours and decorations
He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours of 1976. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I in 2004.