Politician, businessman and philanthropist. Born in Glasgow, the son of Thomas Corbett (1822-80) a successful merchant, he was educated at Glasgow Academy and then travelled to France and Italy. He briefly studied sculpture in South Kensington and was friendly with the artist James Paterson (1854 - 1932). He managed his father's estates in Essex and developed inexpensive housing which formed the eastern suburbs of London. He provided working men's clubs and allotments for the residents.
He was elected Liberal Member of Parliament for Tradeston in 1885 and served until 1911. He was an enthusiastic philanthropist, giving his estate at Rouken Glen to the City of Glasgow in 1901 when he bought the Rowallan Estate in Ayrshire. The former became Rouken Glen Park. Five years later he gave Ardgoil in Argyllshire to the citizens of Glasgow for recreational use. He also supported a number of religious and social movements, including the Foundry Boy's Society, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and the Temperance Movement in Scotland.
Corbett was granted the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 1908 and created the Lord Rowallan in 1911. He died while reading at his gentleman's club in London.
