Sir John Kelk, 1st Baronet (16 February 1816 – 12 September 1886)[1][2] was a British Conservative Party politician, builder and public works contractor.
[2] He also built Kneller Hall in Twickenham, the Museum of Practical Geology in Jermyn Street, designed by James Pennethorne and St Paul's Church, Camden Square from 1849 to 1851.
[2] He generated considerable wealth in construction relating to railways and docks, acting primarily as the promoter rather than contractor, and handing over the firm to Smith and Taylor, his foremen, in 1862.
[2] Alongside these, he built the Millwall Dock with John Aird & Co.,[4] but this venture caused significant financial difficulty after the crash of Overend, Gurney and Company.
[2] He died at his home, Tedworth House, on 12 September 1886, and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery under a ledger-stone of the pink granite also used in the Albert Memorial.