Francis Ley
Sir Francis Ley Bt. | |
|---|---|
from a photo with his Baseball team | |
| Born | 3 January 1846 |
| Died | 17 January 1916 (aged 70) |
| Education | Burton Grammar School and privately |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouses |
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| Children | five |
| Parent(s) | George and Sarah Ley |
Sir Francis Ley, 1st Baronet (3 January 1846 – 27 January 1916) was an English industrialist. He founded Ley's Malleable Castings Vulcan Ironworks in Derby. He (re-)introduced baseball into the United Kingdom town of Derby with the Ley's Recreation Club (later known as Derby Baseball Club) and owned Ley's Recreation Centre from 1890 to 1924, which was home to Derby County Football Club.
In 1905, Ley was created a Baronet, of Epperstone Manor and, in the same year, served as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.