High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Walter Runciman, 1st Baron Runciman (6 July 1847 - 13 August 1937) was an English shipping magnate. Referred to by his grandson Steven as "a Geordie of Scots descent who ran away to sea at 11, was a master mariner by 21 and founded a shipping line," Runciman wrote several books based on his years at sea. He also served briefly as a Liberal Member of Parliament.