Horace Brooks Marshall Sr (1830–1896) pioneered the sale of books and publications on the railways.

As Horace Marshall and Son, it became one of the largest such businesses in the United Kingdom.

[1] After his father's death in 1896, Marshall succeeded him unopposed as a member of the Court of Common Council of the City of London for Farringdon Without.

[3] During his year as Sheriff, he also accompanied the Lord Mayor (Sir Joseph Dimsdale) on official visits to the English cities of Wolverhampton (July 1902),[4] Bath and Exeter (September 1902).

As Lord Mayor during the First World War victory celebrations, he was particularly prominent, being appointed to the Privy Council (entitling him to the style "The Right Honourable") in 1919[6] and appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the 1920 New Year Honours.