Henry Robertson Hartley was an eccentric

Eccentricity (behavior)

In popular usage, eccentricity refers to unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive...

 and philanthropist

Philanthropist

A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...

 and is the founder of the Hartley Institute which became the University of Southampton

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is a British public university located in the city of Southampton, England, a member of the Russell Group. The origins of the university can be dated back to the founding of the Hartley Institution in 1862 by Henry Robertson Hartley. In 1902, the Institution developed...

.

Early life

His father was George Robinson, a mayor

Mayor

In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....

 of Southampton and JP

Justice of the Peace

A justice of the peace is a puisne judicial officer elected or appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, they might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions...

 who was also a strict Calvinist.

Hartley attended Southampton Grammar School (now King Edward VI School, Southampton

King Edward VI School, Southampton

King Edward VI School, often referred to as King Edward's, or simply KES, is a selective co-educational independent day School located in Southampton, United Kingdom and is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. It was founded in 1553, after the death of William Capon , who...

). A a reaction against his strict upbringing as a youth he adopted a Libertarian

Libertarianism

Libertarianism, in the strictest sense, is the political philosophy that holds individual liberty as the basic moral principle of society. In the broadest sense, it is any political philosophy which approximates this view...

 lifestyle. This left him with VD which gave him problems during the rest of his life. His marriage in 1798 was a failure and was annulled in 1802.

Later life

In 1821 he inherited a considerable fortune on his mothers death. He lead a reclusive life and in 1842 made a will leaving most of his estate to the city of Southampton. He wished his house to be a museum promote the study of natural history, astronomy, antiquities, classics, and oriental literature. The Hartley Institution was founded in 1862 by the city combining a museum, library and venue for public lectures. It evolved into Hartley College (1896), Hartley University College (1902), University College of Southampton (1914), and the University of Southampton (1952). Hartley's house was demolished.