14 Facts About Knox Cunningham

Sir Samuel Knox Cunningham, 1st Baronet, was a Northern Irish barrister, businessman and politician.

Knox Cunningham's father was Samuel Cunningham, and his mother was Janet Muir Knox of Dalry, Ayrshire.

Knox Cunningham was sent to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, and then to Fettes College in Edinburgh.

Knox Cunningham then won a place at Clare College, Cambridge - where he was heavy-weight boxing champion.

Knox Cunningham married Dorothy Enid Riley JP on 2 July 1935.

Later in the 1930s, Cunningham studied law and was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1939.

Knox Cunningham fought the Belfast West by-election in 1943 and the same seat in the 1945 general election.

Knox Cunningham was a delegate to the Council of Europe and Western European Union Parliamentary Assembly from 1956 to 1959.

Knox Cunningham served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Jocelyn Simon, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, from 1958.

Knox Cunningham was a member of the National Executive of the Conservative and Unionist Party.

Knox Cunningham remained on the backbenches, known as one to the right of Ulster Unionism and a friend of Ian Paisley, through the rest of the 1960s, he frequently clashed with Harold Wilson during this period, but decided to retire at the 1970 general election.

Knox Cunningham was Provincial Grand Master of the Masonic Order in Gloucestershire from 1970 to 1976.

Knox Cunningham was a member of the Apprentice Boys Club in Derry and attended the 275th Anniversary of the shutting of the gates.

Knox Cunningham died suddenly at Derhams House, Minchinhampton on 29 July 1976 at the age of sixty-seven.