Savile Family Genealogy & History

Sir James Wilson Vincent Savile was a prominent English media personality and DJ, renowned for his eccentricity, charity work, and hosting iconic BBC shows such as "Top of the Pops" and "Jim'll Fix It". Celebrated for raising millions for charities, Savile received numerous accolades, including an OBE in 1971 and a knighthood in 1990. However, his reputation was irreparably damaged posthumously when investigations revealed him as a prolific sexual offender, leading to widespread scandal and the revocation of many of his honors. His career highlights remain overshadowed by these deeply troubling revelations, which prompted inquiries into his activities across several public institutions.

Jimmy Savile was born in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, as the youngest of seven children in a Roman Catholic family. His parents were Vincent Joseph Savile, a bookmaker's clerk and insurance agent, and Agnes Monica Kelly, of Irish descent. Savile's paternal grandmother hailed from Scotland. He was raised during the Great Depression and attended St Anne's Roman Catholic School in Leeds. Savile credited his survival from an early illness to the intercession of Scottish nun Margaret Sinclair, following his mother's prayers.

Steven Savile, born on 12 October 1969, is a renowned British writer specializing in fantasy, horror, and thriller genres. His illustrious career includes penning novels and short stories for iconic franchises like Warhammer, Doctor Who, and Stargate. Savile's works include the acclaimed Ogmios team series and the best-selling novel Silver, which reached #2 on the Amazon charts. His contributions to media tie-in literature have earned him critical recognition, including awards like the Best Young Adult Original Novel at the 2009 Scribe Awards. He has collaborated with notable authors and edited anthologies supporting charitable causes, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the literary world.

Baron Savile, of Rufford in Nottinghamshire, is a distinguished title within the Peerage of the United Kingdom, established in 1888 for diplomat Sir John Savile. Known for its rich history and the prestige of its holders, the title is tied to significant estates and notable lineage. The peerage was created with remainder to Savile's nephew, John Lumley, who later became the second Baron and adopted the surname Savile by Royal licence. As of 2017, the title is held by the fourth Baron, inheriting the legacy through family succession.

Baron Savile's origins trace back to John Lumley-Savile, 8th Earl of Scarbrough, who had five illegitimate children, including Sir John Savile. The family lineage connects to Richard Lumley-Saunderson, 4th Earl of Scarbrough, through his son, John Lumley-Savile, 7th Earl of Scarbrough. The Savile estates in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire were originally bequeathed by Sir George Savile, 8th and last Baronet, to his nephew, aligning the family's historical and economic influence with the title.

Sir Leopold Halliday Savile, KCB, was a distinguished British civil engineer known for his significant contributions to reservoir design and inspection under the Reservoirs Act of 1930. Educated at Marlborough College and King's College London, he trained under renowned engineers Sir John Wolfe Barry and Henry Marc Brunel. Savile's career highlights include his presidency of the Institution of Civil Engineers from 1940 to 1941 and his membership in the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers, where he served as president in 1948. He was honored as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1929, marking his eminent status in the engineering community.

Leopold Savile was born in Bridge of Earn, Perthshire, to Lieutenant-Colonel John Walter Savile and Sarah Emma Stoddart. He was a great-grandson of MP Christopher Atkinson, later known as Savile. In 1904, Savile married Evelyn Stileman, with whom he had a daughter. After Evelyn's death, he married his first cousin once removed, Lilith Savile, daughter of Brigadier-General Walter Clare Savile, in 1929.