robert armitage (1866–1944) was educated at westminster school and trinity college, university of cambridge. he was a barrister and later became the member of parliament for central leeds. in 1905 he was the lord mayor of leeds. he was also involved in the family iron company. he married in 1891 caroline katharine ryder (1867–1933), daughter of dudley henry ryder of westbrook hay, boxmoor. the couple had three sons and four daughters.