Edmund was Born 1804, Died 1877. Robert was born 1764, Died 1862.

Edmund was a Lawyer who was the principal benefactor of the Harris Museum, Harris Institute, Harris Technical school, and Harris Orphanage.

Harris was the son of the Reverand Robert Harris, vicar of St. George’s Parish Church in Preston and headmaster of the Preston Grammar School. The Reverand Harris was also the librarian of the Dr Richard Shepherd Library and had been involved in a campaign for the creation of a free public library and museum in Preston.

After the death of Robert Harris and his brother Thomas (1875), Edmund inherited the family’s entire wealth and had no heirs. He left instructions in his will and £300,000 to create a trust that would help support several new institutions in Preston, including a free public library, museum and art gallery.

The Harris Museum still exists today, and the Harris Institute and Harris Technical School became the University of Central Lancashire. The Harris Orphanage closed in the early 1980’s and the building is now in private ownership.

(Ref: Wikipedia)