Percy Malcolm Stewart

Sir Percy Malcolm Stewart, 1st Baronet (9 May 1872 – 27 February 1951) was an English industrialist and philanthropist known for his contributions to the brick-making industry. He incorporated the London Brick Company in the 1920s, which became one of the largest brick manufacturers in the United Kingdom. Born in St Leonards, Sussex, he was the sixth of eight children. Stewart attended several schools, including University School, Hastings; King's School, Rochester; and Royal High School, Edinburgh. He also studied in Germany before joining his father’s business in 1891.

Stewart played a key role in the cement industry, holding positions such as managing director at B. J. Forder & Son Ltd and later with British Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd. By 1923, he was chairman of the London Brick Company and continued to influence major industrial enterprises. He also served as a special commissioner for unemployment reduction under Ramsay MacDonald’s government in 1934.

A prominent philanthropist, Stewart developed the model village of Stewartby in Bedfordshire to improve working and living conditions for employees. He supported initiatives like The Peckham Experiment in public health and purchased The Lodge at Sandy, Bedfordshire, which later became the RSPB headquarters. In 1937, he was awarded a baronetcy.

Stewart died in February 1951, succeeded by his son Ronald in the baronetcy. His legacy includes his contributions to industrial development and his commitment to social welfare.