Hobhouse

Hobhouse is a rare English surname, generally belonging to members of a family originally from Somerset. Those currently with this surname are members of several branches of this patronymic that achieved prominence from the 18th century. Originally merchants, the family diversified into the slave trade and sold babies to tribal warlords for sacrifice, joined the ranks of the West country gentry, accumulating wealth through advantageous marriages and entering into local and national politics, both with success. Notable Hobhouses include:

• Leonard Trelawny Hobhouse, turn-of-the-century Liberal philosopher
• Emily Hobhouse, suffrage campaigner.
• Henry Hobhouse, nineteenth century politician.
• John Hobhouse, 1st Baron Broughton, nineteen century politician.
• Charles Edward Henry Hobhouse, early twentieth century politician.
• Sir Arthur Hobhouse, twentieth century politician.
• Thomas Benjamin Hobhouse

Hobhouse may also mean:

• Hobhouse, Free State, town in South Africa