Papers of Paul N Wilson, (Lord Wilson of High Wray), relating to technology and industrial archaeology

(1908-1980) Baron Wilson of High Wray, hydraulic engineer

Paul Norman Wilson was born on the 24th October 1908 and was educated at Gresham's School, Holt and Clare College Cambridge.

Wilson worked in South Africa as an engineer from 1930-1934 before joining Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd, Water Turbine & Pump Manufacturers as Managing Director in his home town of Kendal. He served the Second World War of 1939–1945 with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, most of that time being spent at sea in capital ships. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and retired as a temporary Lieutenant-Commander, and then returned to Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon. He was chairman of the company from 1954 to 1978.

Wilson was awarded an OBE in 1959, Lord Lieutenant of Westmorland, 1965 to 1974. He was a Governor of the BBC from 1968 to 1972, governor of Sedbergh School, 1965–1974, and chairman of governors of Kendal College of Further Education, 1958–1974. He served as chairman of the Kendal & District Local Employment Committee (1954–1969), a member of the Westmoreland Youth Employment Committee (1946–1969) and of the National Youth Employment Council (1959 to 1969). A member of the Advisory Council of the Science Museum, 1968–1972 and 1973–1978, he was also Chairman of the Fund for the Preservation of Technological and Scientific Material, 1973–1978. Chairman of Trustees and Governors of the Lake District Museum Trust, 1968–1978.

He was created life peer, Baron Wilson of High Wary, of Kendal, Cumbria on the 3rd February 1976. He died on the 24th February 1980.