Misplaced Pages

Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 23:33, 27 January 2016 editMiesianiacal (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users47,041 edits →External links: in line w/ infobox← Previous edit Latest revision as of 08:06, 8 January 2025 edit undoJJLiu112 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users2,392 edits Caption. 
(141 intermediate revisions by 77 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|British politician and Governor General of Canada (1880–1956)}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2012}} {{Use British English|date=September 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox Governor General {{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = The Right Honourable | honorific-prefix = ]
| name = the Earl of Bessborough | name = The Earl of Bessborough
| honorific-suffix = GCMG PC | honorific-suffix = {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|GCMG|KStJ|PC}}
| image = Earlofbessbourgh.jpg | image = Earlofbessbourgh.jpg
| imagesize = 160px | caption = Bessborough {{circa}} 1935
| order = ] | order = 14th
| office = Governor General of Canada | office = Governor General of Canada
| monarch = ] | monarch = ]
| primeminister = ]<br/>&nbsp;&nbsp;• ]<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;• ]<br/>]<br/>&nbsp;&nbsp;• ] | primeminister = ]<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;• ]<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;• ]<br />]<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;• ]
| term_start = 4 April 1931 | term_start = 4 April 1931
| term_end = 2 November 1935 | term_end = 2 November 1935
| predecessor = ] | predecessor = ]
| successor = ] | successor = ]
| office2 = ] | birth_date = {{birth date|1880|10|27|df=y}}
| birth_place = ], England
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1880|10|27}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1956|3|10|1880|10|27|df=y}}
| birth_place = ], ]
| death_place = ], Sussex, England
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1956|03|10|1880|10|27}}
| spouse = ]
| death_place = London, England
| spouse = ] | children = ] and ], ''et alia''
| parents = ]<br />Blanche Vere Guest
| profession = ], ], and ]
| profession = Diplomat, businessman, and ]
| religion = ]
|allegiance = {{flagcountry|UK}}
|}}
|branch = {{Army|UK}}
'''Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough''', {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|GCMG|PC}} (27 October 1880 – 10 March 1956) was a British businessman and politician who served as ], the ] since ].
|serviceyears = 1914–1919
|rank = Second Lieutenant<br>Captain<br>Major
|unit = ]<br>]
|battles =
]
*]
*]
}}

'''Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough''', {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|sep=,|GCMG|KStJ|PC}} (27 October 1880 – 10 March 1956), was an ] businessman and politician who served as ], the ] since ].

Born and educated in England into ']', the Anglo-Irish aristocracy, he graduated with a law degree from ]. In 1910 he became a member of the ] as a member of the ]. Upon the death of his grandfather ten years later, Ponsonby succeeded as ] and took his seat in the ]. In 1931 he was appointed as Governor-General by ], on the recommendation of British prime minister ], to replace ] as ]. He occupied the post until succeeded by ] in 1935. Lord Bessborough is remembered for promoting new communication technologies as well as giving support to Canadians during the ].


After the end of his viceregal tenure, he returned to London, where he continued in business and worked with the ] and the ] before his death in March 1956.
Born and educated in England, he graduated with a law degree from ] before entering politics as a member of the ] and then, in 1910, as a ] of the ]. Upon the death of his grandfather 10 years later, Ponsonby succeeded as ] and took his seat in the ]. He was in 1931 appointed as governor general by King ], on the recommendation of ] ], to replace ] as ]. Bessborough occupied that post until succeeded by ] in 1935. Bessborough is remembered for promoting new communication technologies as well as giving support to the Canadian population during the ].


The 9th Lord Bessborough was the last Earl of Bessborough to own ], the Ponsonby family's ] near the village of ] in the south of ] in Ireland. The ] was primarily built in the 1740s for ]. It was gutted by fire during the ] in February 1923. The 9th Lord Bessborough had the house rebuilt in the late 1920s. However, he sold the house in the late 1930s as he primarily lived in ]. The house now forms the central part of Kildalton Agricultural College.
After the end of his viceregal tenure, he returned to London, where he continued in business and also work with the ] before his death in March 1956.


==Early life, education, and career== ==Early life and education==
Ponsonby was born in ] the first son and third child of ] and Blanche ''née'' ]; her father Sir Josiah Guest was a great-uncle of ]. He attended ] before in 1898 going up to ], graduating in 1901 with a ] degree.<ref name=camalumni>{{acad|id=PNSY898VB|name=Ponsonby, the Hon. Vere Brabazon}}</ref> Two years later, he had started a career in law, being ] at the ]. After his father succeeded as Earl of Bessborough in 1906, he used the ] of ]. Ponsonby was born in London, the first son and third child of ], and his wife, Blanche. Her father, ], was a great-uncle of ]. Ponsonby attended ] before going up to ], in 1898, graduating three years later with a Bachelor of Arts degree.<ref name=camalumni>{{acad|id=PNSY898VB|name=Ponsonby, the Hon. Vere Brabazon}}</ref> In 1903, he began a career in law, being ] at the ]. After his father succeeded as Earl of Bessborough in 1906, Ponsonby used the ] of '']''.
], 1933]]


== Career ==
Six years later, on 25 June 1912, Duncannon married ], with whom he had four children: ], born 29 March 1913; Desmond, born 4 August 1915; ], born 2 March 1918; and George, born 14 August 1931. Desmond, however, did not live past the age of ten, dying on 8 April 1925 from a riding accident,<ref name=GGPons>{{cite web|url=http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15418&lan=eng| last=Office of the Governor General of Canada| title=Home > History > Former Governors General > British > The Earl of Bessborough 1931-1935| publisher=Queen's Printer for Canada| accessdate=5 September 2015}}</ref> and George, who was born in Canada and given the middle name ''St. Lawrence'' (after ]),<ref name=GGPons/> would also predecease his father on 16 May 1951.
In 1907, the young Viscount ] (as he then was) entered politics, being elected to a seat on the ]. He remained at that post until running in the ] and winning a seat in the ] as the ] (MP) for ]. He lost that seat in the ], but ] as the MP for ].


], 1933]]
Prior to his marriage, Duncannon entered politics, being elected to a seat on the ] between 1907 and 1910, before ] to the ] as the ] (MP) for ]. He lost that seat in the ], but ] as the MP for ].
*


By the following year, however, the ] broke out and, whilst retaining his parliamentary seat, Ponsonby joined the ] and was commissioned as a ] in ]. He was transferred on 11 November 1914 to the ] (both units were part of the ] and were sent into action overseas), where he was later appointed ] and promoted to ].<ref name=LG28969>{{London Gazette |issue=28969 |date=10 November 1914 |startpage=9143 |accessdate=27 April 2012 }}</ref> He served at ] in 1915 and, from 1916 to 1918, on the military staff in France. During his wartime service, he was ], awarded the ''Croix de chevalier'' of the French ],<ref name=EG13147>{{London Gazette |issue=13147 |date=25 September 1917 |startpage=2073 |city=e}}</ref> and appointed to the Italian ], the Belgian ], Greece's ], as well as a Third Class Member of the Russian ]. At the conclusion of the war, Ponsonby was appointed a ] in the ].<ref name=camalumni/><ref name=LG30338>{{London Gazette| issue=30338| startpage=10680| supp=y| date=16 October 1917| accessdate=18 April 2010 |nolink=yes}}</ref> When the ] broke out and, while retaining his parliamentary seat, Lord Duncannon joined the ]. He was commissioned as a ] in ]. On 11 November 1914, he transferred to the ] (both units were part of the ] and were sent into action overseas), where he was later appointed ] and promoted to ].<ref name="LG28969">{{London Gazette |issue=28969 |date=10 November 1914 |page=9143 }}</ref> He served at ] in 1915 and, from 1916 to 1918, on the military staff in France. During his wartime service, he was ], awarded the ''Croix de chevalier'' of the French ],<ref name="EG13147">{{London Gazette |issue=13147 |date=25 September 1917 |page=2073 |city=e}}</ref> and appointed to the Italian ], the Belgian ], Greece's ], as well as a Third Class Member of the Russian ]. After the war, Lord Duncannon was appointed a ] in the ] List.<ref name="camalumni" /><ref name="LG30338">{{London Gazette| issue=30338|page=10680| supp=y| date=16 October 1917|nolink=yes}}</ref>
], near ], ], was purchased by Bessborough in 1924]]


After the death of his father on 1 December 1920, he succeeded to the ] ], requiring him to resign his seat in the ] and enter the ].<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=32169| startpage=12484| date=21 December 1920| accessdate=18 April 2010 |nolink=yes }}</ref> On 17 December, he applied to be ]. The earl also pursued a successful business career, holding directorships in several large commercial firms, including acting as head of both the ] and the ], as well as deputy chairman of ].<ref name=TCE/> After the death of his father on 1 December 1920, he succeeded to the ] ], requiring him to resign his seat in the House of Commons and enter the ].<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=32169|page=12484| date=21 December 1920|nolink=yes }}</ref> On 17 December, he applied to be ]. The Earl had a successful business career, holding directorships in several large commercial firms, including acting as head of both the ] and the ], as well as deputy chairman of ] Consolidated Mines.<ref name=TCE/> On 8 April 1925 his ten-year-old second son, D. N. Ponsonby, was thrown from a horse and killed while riding at Stansted Park.<ref>{{cite news |title=Peer's Son Killed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/258674055/?terms=soldier%20killed&match=1 |newspaper=] |date=April 9, 1925 |page=3 |via=] |access-date=June 19, 2023}}</ref>


==Governor General of Canada== ==Governor General of Canada==
It was announced in early 1931 that King George V had, by commission under the ] and ], appointed Bessborough as his representative. This had been done on the recommendation of ] ], with input from ] ], and came as somewhat of a surprise, as Bessborough was the only businessman to have ever been appointed governor general. It was announced in early 1931 that King George V had, by commission under the ] and ], appointed Lord Bessborough as his representative. The appointment was made on the recommendation of British prime minister ], with input from ] ]. It came as somewhat of a surprise, as Bessborough was the only businessman to have ever been appointed Governor General.


After being admitted into ] on 20 March 1931,<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=33700| startpage=1877| date=20 March 1931| accessdate=18 April 2010 |nolink=yes}}</ref> Bessborough travelled to Canada and was sworn in as governor general on 4 April, right in the midst of the ]. In his ensuing travels as viceroy, Bessborough witnessed the struggles of Canadians during this period, and praised their tenacity; in ], he stated in a speech: "There is nothing more encouraging and cheering than the calm steady way Canadians have pursued their daily tasks during the difficult period with a supreme faith in the destiny of their country."<ref name=GGPons/> As a sign of his sympathy with the majority of the populace, he gave up 10% of his salary.<ref name=TCE>{{Cite book| last=Hillmer| first=Norman| contribution=Biography > Governors General of Canada > Bessborough, Vere Brabazon| title=The Canadian Encyclopedia| editor-last=Marsh| editor-first=James H.| place=Toronto| publisher=Historica Foundation of Canada| url=http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0000709| accessdate=31 March 2009}}</ref> After being admitted into the ] on 20 March 1931,<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=33700|page=1877| date=20 March 1931|nolink=yes}}</ref> Lord Bessborough travelled to Canada and was sworn in as Governor General on 4 April, amid the ]. In his travels around Canada, Bessborough witnessed the struggles of Canadians during the Depression. He praised their tenacity. In ], he stated in a speech: "There is nothing more encouraging and cheering than the calm steady way Canadians have pursued their daily tasks during the difficult period with a supreme faith in the destiny of their country".<ref name="GGPons">{{cite web |last=Office of the Governor General of Canada |title=Home > History > Former Governors General > British > The Earl of Bessborough 1931–1935 |url=http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15418&lan=eng |access-date=5 September 2015 |publisher=Queen's Printer for Canada}}</ref> As a sign of his sympathy with the majority of the populace, he gave up 10% of his salary.<ref name=TCE>{{Cite book| last=Hillmer| first=Norman| contribution=Biography > Governors General of Canada > Bessborough, Vere Brabazon| title=The Canadian Encyclopedia| editor-last=Marsh| editor-first=James H.| place=Toronto| publisher=Historica Foundation of Canada| url=http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0000709| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703003059/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0000709| url-status=dead| archive-date=3 July 2007| access-date=31 March 2009}}</ref>
] Hotel, ]]] ] Hotel, ]]]


Despite the economic situation, Canada was gaining international stature and Bessborough acted as host to the leaders who, in July 1932, converged on ] for the ]. He also presided over the opening of the ] the same year. The Governor General welcomed a number of foreign dignitaries, including ] and his wife, ]; ] of ] and his consort, ] ]; and ], then a British Member of Parliament. There were also a number of technological firsts that took place during Bessborough's tenure: his installation ceremony was the first to be broadcast by radio; in 1932, from the governor general's study at ], he inaugurated the first trans-Canada telephone line by calling each of the ]; and, as ], he created the ]. Bessborough was also the first Canadian viceroy to fly the new ], created in 1931.<ref name=GGPons/> Despite the economic situation, Canada was gaining international stature, and Lord Bessborough acted as host to the leaders who, in July 1932, converged on ] for the ]. He also presided over the opening of the ] the same year. The Governor General welcomed many foreign dignitaries, including ] and his wife, ]; ] of ] and his consort, ] ]; and ], then a British Member of Parliament. Several technological firsts took place during Bessborough's tenure: his installation ceremony was the first to be broadcast by radio; in 1932,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.gg.ca/en/governor-general/former-governors-general/earl-bessborough| website=gg.ca| title=The Earl of Bessborough| date=3 March 2017}}</ref> from the Governor General's study at ], he inaugurated the first trans-Canada telephone line by calling each of the ]; and, as ], he created the ] (the CBC). Lord Bessborough was also the first Canadian viceroy to fly the new ], created in 1931.<ref name=GGPons/>


Bessborough's tenure as governor general coincided with the celebrations in May 1935 for the ] of the King's reign, part of which included his launching the King's Jubilee Cancer Fund with a radio broadcast from Rideau Hall, and also initiated a campaign to increase the membership of the ]. But the most prominent mark that Bessborough left on Canada was the ],<ref name=Kalbfleisch>{{cite news| url=http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=3d2bef91-aa4a-4ec7-aa43-549437b8cb9f| title=Shipping heiress kept theatre alive in Montreal| last=Kalbfleisch| first=John| date=29 March 2009| newspaper=Montreal Gazette| publisher=Canwest| accessdate=29 March 2009}}</ref> which was developed with the assistance of future governor general ] and ] and first held in April 1933, and awarded the Bessborough Trophy to the best amateur theatrical company in the country.<ref name=GGPons/> Bessborough's time as Governor General coincided with the King's ] celebrations in May 1935. During the celebrations, he launched the King's Jubilee Cancer Fund with a radio broadcast from Rideau Hall. Also, he initiated a campaign to increase the membership of the ]. However, the most prominent mark that Bessborough left in Canada was the ].<ref name=Kalbfleisch>{{cite news| url=http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=3d2bef91-aa4a-4ec7-aa43-549437b8cb9f| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102111356/http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=3d2bef91-aa4a-4ec7-aa43-549437b8cb9f| url-status=dead| archive-date=2 January 2013| title=Shipping heiress kept theatre alive in Montreal| last=Kalbfleisch| first=John| date=29 March 2009| newspaper=The Gazette|location=Montreal| publisher=Canwest| access-date=29 March 2009}}</ref> He developed the festival with the assistance of future Governor-General ] and ]. The festival was first held in April 1933 and awarded the Bessborough Trophy to the best amateur theatrical company in the country.<ref name=GGPons/>


==Post-viceregal life== ==Post-viceregal life==
], near ], Sussex, was purchased by Lord Bessborough in 1924]]
After life in Canada, Bessborough returned to London and to his businesses, being advanced in the ], on 2 June 1937, as Earl of Bessborough for his viceregal services.<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=34405| startpage=3663| date=8 June 1937| supp=y| accessdate=29 March 2009 |nolink=yes }}</ref> As such, he took part in ].<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=34453| startpage=7059| date=10 November 1937| accessdate=18 April 2010 |nolink=yes }}</ref> His activities were not all business related; during the ], Bessborough helped in the establishment of a department in the ] dedicated to the welfare of ] ]s in the United Kingdom.
After life in Canada, Lord Bessborough returned to London and his businesses. His activities were not all business-related. During the ], Bessborough helped establish a department in the ] dedicated to the welfare of French ]s in the United Kingdom.


In 1956, the Earl returned once more to Canada, staying at ] as a guest of the then-Governor General, Vincent Massey, before he died the following year at the ] he purchased in 1924, ].<ref name=GGPons/> In 1956, the Earl returned once more to Canada, staying at ] as a guest of the then-Governor General, ]. He died the following year at the ] he purchased in 1924, ].<ref name=GGPons/>


==Honours==
==Titles, styles, and honours==

===Titles===
{{Infobox viceroy styles {{Infobox viceroy styles
| image = ] | image = ]
| name = The Earl of Bessborough<br>(1931–1935) | name = The Earl of Bessborough<br />(1931–1935)
| dipstyle = His Excellency the Right Honourable<br>''Son Excellence le très honourable'' | dipstyle = His Excellency The Right Honourable<br />''Son Excellence le très honourable''
| offstyle = Your Excellency<br>''Votre Excellence'' | offstyle = Your Excellency<br />''Votre Excellence''
| altstyle = Sir<br>''Monsieur''
}} }}
;{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom
* '''27 October 1880{{spaced ndash}}1903''': ''Mister'' Vere Ponsonby
* '''1903{{spaced ndash}}1906''': ''The Honourable'' Vere Ponsonby
* '''1906{{spaced ndash}}1 December 1920''': ]
* '''1 December 1920{{spaced ndash}}4 April 1931''': ''The Right Honourable'' the Earl of Bessborough
* '''4 April 1931{{spaced ndash}}11 December 1931''': ''His Excellency Right Honourable'' the Earl of Bessborough, Governor General of Canada
* '''11 December 1931{{spaced ndash}}10 March 1956''': ''The Right Honourable'' the Earl of Bessborough

;{{flagicon|Canada|1921}} Canada
* '''11 December 1931{{spaced ndash}}2 November 1935''': ''His Excellency the Right Honourable'' The Earl of Bessborough, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Militia and Naval and Air Forces of Canada{{#tag:ref|The ] came into effect on 11 December 1931, thereby ending the ability of the ] to legislate for Canada, including the conferring of titles. Thereafter, the governor general was appointed via ] from the monarch acting solely in his capacity as ], on the advice of Canadian ].|group=n|name=Title}}


===Honours===
{| border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="center" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background:white; border: 1px #0047AB solid; border-collapse: collapse;" {| border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="center" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background:white; border: 1px #0047AB solid; border-collapse: collapse;"
|- bgcolor="white" |- bgcolor="white"
Line 85: Line 85:
|- |-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Ord.St.Michele-Giorgio.png}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Ord.St.Michele-Giorgio.png}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=VOStJ ribbon.png}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector.svg}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=GeorgeVSilverJubileum-ribbon.png}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=GeorgeVICoronationRibbon.png}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=GeorgeVICoronationRibbon.png}}
|- |-
Line 92: Line 92:
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=BWM ribbon.jpg}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=BWM ribbon.jpg}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Victory medal (UK) ribbon.png}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Victory medal (UK) ribbon.png}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Order of Saint Anne Ribbon.png}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Order of Saint Anna ribbon bar.svg}}
|} |}


;Appointments ;Appointments
] ]
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1 January 1919{{spaced ndash}}13 February 1931''': ] (CMG)<ref name=EG13384>{{London Gazette| issue=13384| startpage=204 |endpage=205 | date=1 January 1919 |city=e |accessdate=5 September 2015 |nolink=yes }}</ref> * {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1 January 1919 – 13 February 1931''': ] (CMG)<ref name=EG13384>{{London Gazette| issue=13384|pages=204–205 | date=1 January 1919 |city=e |nolink=yes }}</ref>
** {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''13 February 1931{{spaced ndash}}10 March 1956''': ] (GCMG)<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=33690| startpage=1124| date=17 February 1931| accessdate=29 March 2009 |nolink=yes }}</ref> ** {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''13 February 1931 – 10 March 1956''': ] (GCMG)<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=33690|page=1124| date=17 February 1931|nolink=yes }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''20 March 1931{{spaced ndash}}10 March 1956''': ] (PC)<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=33700| startpage=1877| date=20 March 1931| accessdate=29 March 2009 |nolink=yes }}</ref> * {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''20 March 1931 – 10 March 1956''': ] (PC)<ref>{{London Gazette| issue=33700|page=1877| date=20 March 1931|nolink=yes }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''22 June 1934{{spaced ndash}}10 March 1956''': ] (KStJ)<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34064 |startpage=4057 |date=26 June 1934 |accessdate=29 March 2009 |nolink=yes }}</ref> * {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''22 June 1934 – 10 March 1956''': ] (KStJ)<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34064 |page=4057 |date=26 June 1934 |nolink=yes }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931{{spaced ndash}}2 November 1935''': ] * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931 – 2 November 1935''': ]
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931{{spaced ndash}}2 November 1935''': ] * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931 – 2 November 1935''': ]


;Medals ;Medals
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1919''': ] * {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1919''': ]
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1919''': ] * {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1919''': ]
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1919''': ] * {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''1919''': ]
Line 115: Line 115:
* {{flagicon|France}} '''25 September 1917''': ''Croix de Chevalier'', ]<ref name=EG13147/> * {{flagicon|France}} '''25 September 1917''': ''Croix de Chevalier'', ]<ref name=EG13147/>
* {{flagicon|Russia}} '''17 October 1917''': Member, Third Class with Swords of the ]<ref name=LG30338/> * {{flagicon|Russia}} '''17 October 1917''': Member, Third Class with Swords of the ]<ref name=LG30338/>
* {{flagicon|Greece}} '''24 October 1919''': Officer, ]<ref name=camalumni/><ref name=LG31615>{{LondonGazette| issue=31615 |startpage=13002| date=24 October 1919| accessdate=27 April 2012 |nolink=yes }}</ref> * {{flagicon|Greece}} '''24 October 1919''': Officer, ]<ref name=camalumni/><ref name=LG31615>{{London Gazette| issue=31615 |page=13002| date=24 October 1919|nolink=yes }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Italy}}: Member of the ]<ref name=camalumni/> * {{flagicon|Italy}}: Member of the ]<ref name=camalumni/>
* {{flagicon|Belgium}}: Member of the ]<ref name=camalumni/> * {{flagicon|Belgium}}: Member of the ]<ref name=camalumni/>
* {{flagicon|France}}: ]<ref name=peerage>{{citation| editor-last=Mosley| editor-first=Charles| authorlink=Charles Mosley (genealogist)| title=Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage| publisher=Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd| volume=3| edition=107|year=2003| location=Wilmington| page=363}}</ref> * {{flagicon|France}}: ]<ref name=peerage>{{citation| editor-last=Mosley| editor-first=Charles| title=Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage| publisher=Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd| volume=3| edition=107|year=2003| location=Wilmington| page=363}}</ref>


====Honorary military appointments==== ===Honorary military appointments===
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931{{spaced ndash}}2 November 1935''': Colonel of the Regiment of the ] * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931 – 2 November 1935''': Colonel of the ]
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931{{spaced ndash}}2 November 1935''': Colonel of the Regiment of the ] * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931 – 2 November 1935''': Colonel of the ]
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931{{spaced ndash}}2 November 1935''': Colonel of the Regiment of the ] * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''4 April 1931 – 2 November 1935''': Colonel of the ]


====Honorary degrees==== ===Honorary degrees===
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''1932''': ], ] (LLD)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/senate/honorarydegreeslist.cfm#P| title=University of Alberta Senate > Honorary Degrees > Past Honorary Degree Recipients > P| publisher=University of Alberta| accessdate=28 April 2009}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}} '''1932''': ], ] (LLD)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/senate/honorarydegreeslist.cfm#P| title=University of Alberta Senate > Honorary Degrees > Past Honorary Degree Recipients > P| publisher=University of Alberta| access-date=28 April 2009| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527195725/http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/senate/honorarydegreeslist.cfm#P| archive-date=27 May 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}}: ], Doctor of Laws (LLD)<ref name=peerage/> * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}}: ], Doctor of Laws (LLD)<ref name=peerage/>
* {{flagicon|Canada|1921}}: ], Doctor of Laws (LLD)<ref name=peerage/> * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}}: ], Doctor of Laws (LLD)<ref name=peerage/>
* {{flagicon|Quebec}}: ], Doctor of Laws (DCL)<ref name=peerage/> * {{flagicon|Canada|1921}}: ], Doctor of Laws (DCL)<ref name=peerage/>


{{Expand list|date=June 2009}} {{Expand list|date=June 2009}}
Line 139: Line 139:


;Buildings ;Buildings
* {{flag|British Columbia}}: ], ] * {{flag|British Columbia}}: ], Vancouver
* {{flag|Saskatchewan}}: ], ] * {{flag|Saskatchewan}}: ], ]


;Schools ;Schools
* {{flag|Alberta}}: Bessborough Hall, ], ]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.clearwateracademy.com/html/about_cwa_facilities.htm| title=Clear Water Academy > Our School > Facilities | publisher=Clear Water Academy| accessdate=31 March 2009}}</ref> * {{flag|Alberta}}: Bessborough Hall, ], Calgary<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.clearwateracademy.com/html/about_cwa_facilities.htm| title=Clear Water Academy > Our School > Facilities | publisher=Clear Water Academy| access-date=31 March 2009}}</ref>
* {{flag|New Brunswick}}: ], ] * {{flag|New Brunswick}}: ], ]


==Notes== ===Arms===
{{Emblem table
{{reflist|group="n"}}
|image=]]
|escutcheon = Gules a chevron between three combs Argent.
|crest = Out of a ducal coronet Azure three arrows one in pale and two in saltire points downward entwined by a snake Proper.
|supporters = On either side a lion reguardant Proper.
|motto = Pro Rege Lege Grege <ref>{{cite book|title=Burke's Peerage |date=1949}}</ref>}}

==Ancestry==
{{ahnentafel
|collapsed=yes |align=center
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|1= 1. Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough
|2= 2. ]
|3= 3. Blanche Guest
|4= 4. ]
|5= 5. Lady Louisa Eliot
|6= 6. ]
|7= 7. ]
|8= 8. ]
|9= 9. Lady Maria Fane
|10= 10. ]
|11= 11. Lady Jemima Cornwallis
|12= 12. Thomas Guest
|13= 13. Jemima Phillips
|14= 14. ]
|15= 15. Charlotte Susannah Elizabeth Layard
}}


==References== ==References==
Line 153: Line 182:


== External links == == External links ==
{{commons category|Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough}}
* {{Hansard-contribs | viscount-duncannon | the Earl of Bessborough }} * {{Hansard-contribs | viscount-duncannon | the Earl of Bessborough }}
* *
* *
* *


{{s-start}} {{s-start}}
{{s-gov}} {{s-gov}}
{{s-bef|before=]}} {{s-bef|before=]}}
{{s-ttl|title=]|years=1931{{ndash}}1935}} {{s-ttl|title=]|years=1931–1935}}
{{s-aft|after=]}} {{s-aft|after=]}}
{{s-par|uk}} {{s-par|uk}}
{{s-bef|before=]}}
{{succession box
| title = Member of Parliament for ] {{s-ttl|title=] for ]|years=] – ]}}
{{s-aft|after=]}}<!-- baronetcy conferred 1917, so don't display title -->
| years = ]{{spaced ndash}}]
| before = ] {{s-bef|before=]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament for ]|years=]–]}}
| after = ]<!-- baronetcy conferred 1917, so don't display title -->
{{s-aft|after=]}}
}}
{{succession box
| title = Member of Parliament for ]
| years = ]{{ndash}}]
| before = ]
| after = ]
}}
{{s-reg|ie}} {{s-reg|ie}}
{{s-bef| before = ] }} {{s-bef|before=]|rows=3}}
{{s-ttl| title = ] {{s-ttl|title=]|years=1920–1956|creation=1st creation}}
{{s-aft|after=]|rows=3}}
| years = 1920{{ndash}}1956 }}
{{s-aft| after = ] }} {{s-ttl|title=]|years=1920–1956}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-ttl|title=]|years=1920–1956}}
{{s-reg|gb}}
{{s-bef|before=]}}
{{s-ttl|title=]|years=1920–1956}}
{{s-aft|after=]}}
{{s-reg|uk}} {{s-reg|uk}}
{{s-bef|before=]}}
{{s-ttl|title=]|years=1920–1956}}
{{s-aft|after=]|rows=2}}
{{s-new|creation}} {{s-new|creation}}
{{s-ttl| title = ] {{s-ttl|title=]|years=1937–1956|creation=2nd creation}}
| years = 1937{{ndash}}1956 }}
{{s-aft| after = ] }}
{{s-end}} {{s-end}}


{{Governors General of Canada}}
{{CanGG}}
{{authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME =Bessborough, Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =Lord Bessborough
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =British politician
| DATE OF BIRTH =27 October 1880
| PLACE OF BIRTH =London, England
| DATE OF DEATH =10 March 1956
| PLACE OF DEATH =London, England
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bessborough, Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Bessborough, Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of}}
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 08:06, 8 January 2025

British politician and Governor General of Canada (1880–1956)

The Right HonourableThe Earl of BessboroughGCMG KStJ PC
Bessborough c. 1935
14th Governor General of Canada
In office
4 April 1931 – 2 November 1935
MonarchGeorge V
Prime MinisterCanadian
  • R. B. Bennett
  • W. L. M. King
British
  • Ramsay MacDonald
Preceded byThe Earl of Willingdon
Succeeded byThe Lord Tweedsmuir
Personal details
Born(1880-10-27)27 October 1880
London, England
Died10 March 1956(1956-03-10) (aged 75)
Stoughton, Sussex, England
SpouseRoberte Poupart de Neuflize
ChildrenFrederick and Moyra, et alia
Parent(s)Edward Ponsonby, 8th Earl of Bessborough
Blanche Vere Guest
ProfessionDiplomat, businessman, and parliamentarian
Military service
Allegiance United Kingdom
Branch/service British Army
Years of service1914–1919
RankSecond Lieutenant
Captain
Major
UnitRoyal Buckinghamshire Yeomanry
Suffolk Yeomanry
Battles/warsFirst World War

Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough, GCMG, KStJ, PC (27 October 1880 – 10 March 1956), was an Anglo-Irish businessman and politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the fourteenth since Canadian Confederation.

Born and educated in England into 'the Ascendancy', the Anglo-Irish aristocracy, he graduated with a law degree from Cambridge University. In 1910 he became a member of the London County Council as a member of the British House of Commons. Upon the death of his grandfather ten years later, Ponsonby succeeded as Earl of Bessborough and took his seat in the House of Lords. In 1931 he was appointed as Governor-General by King George V, on the recommendation of British prime minister Ramsay MacDonald, to replace The Earl of Willingdon as viceroy. He occupied the post until succeeded by the Lord Tweedsmuir in 1935. Lord Bessborough is remembered for promoting new communication technologies as well as giving support to Canadians during the Great Depression.

After the end of his viceregal tenure, he returned to London, where he continued in business and worked with the Dominions Office and the Foreign Office before his death in March 1956.

The 9th Lord Bessborough was the last Earl of Bessborough to own Bessborough House, the Ponsonby family's ancestral seat near the village of Piltown in the south of County Kilkenny in Ireland. The country house was primarily built in the 1740s for the 1st Earl. It was gutted by fire during the Irish Civil War in February 1923. The 9th Lord Bessborough had the house rebuilt in the late 1920s. However, he sold the house in the late 1930s as he primarily lived in Britain. The house now forms the central part of Kildalton Agricultural College.

Early life and education

Ponsonby was born in London, the first son and third child of Edward, 8th Earl of Bessborough, and his wife, Blanche. Her father, Sir Josiah Guest, was a great-uncle of Sir Winston Churchill. Ponsonby attended Harrow School before going up to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1898, graduating three years later with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1903, he began a career in law, being called to the Bar at the Inner Temple. After his father succeeded as Earl of Bessborough in 1906, Ponsonby used the courtesy title of Viscount Duncannon.

Career

In 1907, the young Viscount Duncannon (as he then was) entered politics, being elected to a seat on the London County Council. He remained at that post until running in the January 1910 general election and winning a seat in the British House of Commons as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Cheltenham. He lost that seat in the election of 19 December that same year, but re-entered the Commons in 1913 as the MP for Dover.

The Earl of Bessborough and his wife, Roberte, 1933

When the First World War broke out and, while retaining his parliamentary seat, Lord Duncannon joined the army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Royal Buckinghamshire Yeomanry. On 11 November 1914, he transferred to the Suffolk Hussars (both units were part of the Territorial Force and were sent into action overseas), where he was later appointed captain and promoted to acting major. He served at Gallipoli in 1915 and, from 1916 to 1918, on the military staff in France. During his wartime service, he was mentioned in dispatches, awarded the Croix de chevalier of the French Legion of Honour, and appointed to the Italian Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus, the Belgian Order of Leopold II, Greece's Order of the Redeemer, as well as a Third Class Member of the Russian Order of St Anna. After the war, Lord Duncannon was appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in the 1919 New Year Honours List.

After the death of his father on 1 December 1920, he succeeded to the Irish earldom of Bessborough, requiring him to resign his seat in the House of Commons and enter the House of Lords. On 17 December, he applied to be Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern. The Earl had a successful business career, holding directorships in several large commercial firms, including acting as head of both the São Paulo Railway and the Margarine Union, as well as deputy chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines. On 8 April 1925 his ten-year-old second son, D. N. Ponsonby, was thrown from a horse and killed while riding at Stansted Park.

Governor General of Canada

It was announced in early 1931 that King George V had, by commission under the royal sign-manual and signet, appointed Lord Bessborough as his representative. The appointment was made on the recommendation of British prime minister Ramsay MacDonald, with input from Prime Minister of Canada Richard Bennett. It came as somewhat of a surprise, as Bessborough was the only businessman to have ever been appointed Governor General.

After being admitted into the Privy Council of the United Kingdom on 20 March 1931, Lord Bessborough travelled to Canada and was sworn in as Governor General on 4 April, amid the Great Depression. In his travels around Canada, Bessborough witnessed the struggles of Canadians during the Depression. He praised their tenacity. In Shawbridge, Quebec, he stated in a speech: "There is nothing more encouraging and cheering than the calm steady way Canadians have pursued their daily tasks during the difficult period with a supreme faith in the destiny of their country". As a sign of his sympathy with the majority of the populace, he gave up 10% of his salary.

The Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon

Despite the economic situation, Canada was gaining international stature, and Lord Bessborough acted as host to the leaders who, in July 1932, converged on Ottawa for the Imperial Economic Conference. He also presided over the opening of the Welland Canal the same year. The Governor General welcomed many foreign dignitaries, including Prince Takamatsu and his wife, Princess Takamatsu; King Rama VII of Siam and his consort, Queen Ramphaiphanni; and Winston Churchill, then a British Member of Parliament. Several technological firsts took place during Bessborough's tenure: his installation ceremony was the first to be broadcast by radio; in 1932, from the Governor General's study at Rideau Hall, he inaugurated the first trans-Canada telephone line by calling each of the lieutenant governors; and, as Governor-in-Council, he created the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (the CBC). Lord Bessborough was also the first Canadian viceroy to fly the new standard dedicated to that office, created in 1931.

Bessborough's time as Governor General coincided with the King's Silver Jubilee celebrations in May 1935. During the celebrations, he launched the King's Jubilee Cancer Fund with a radio broadcast from Rideau Hall. Also, he initiated a campaign to increase the membership of the Scouts. However, the most prominent mark that Bessborough left in Canada was the Dominion Drama Festival. He developed the festival with the assistance of future Governor-General Vincent Massey and Henry C. Osborne. The festival was first held in April 1933 and awarded the Bessborough Trophy to the best amateur theatrical company in the country.

Post-viceregal life

Stansted House, near Chichester, Sussex, was purchased by Lord Bessborough in 1924

After life in Canada, Lord Bessborough returned to London and his businesses. His activities were not all business-related. During the Second World War, Bessborough helped establish a department in the British Foreign Office dedicated to the welfare of French refugees in the United Kingdom.

In 1956, the Earl returned once more to Canada, staying at Rideau Hall as a guest of the then-Governor General, Vincent Massey. He died the following year at the country house he purchased in 1924, Stansted House.

Honours

Viceregal styles of
The Earl of Bessborough
(1931–1935)
Reference styleHis Excellency The Right Honourable
Son Excellence le très honourable
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Votre Excellence
Ribbon bars of the Earl of Bessborough
Appointments
Légion d'honneur insignia
Medals
Foreign honours
Member, Order of St. Anna insignia

Honorary military appointments

Honorary degrees

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (June 2009)

Honorific eponyms

Bessborough Armoury, Vancouver
Awards
Buildings
Schools

Arms

Coat of arms of Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough
Crest
Out of a ducal coronet Azure three arrows one in pale and two in saltire points downward entwined by a snake Proper.
Escutcheon
Gules a chevron between three combs Argent.
Supporters
On either side a lion reguardant Proper.
Motto
Pro Rege Lege Grege

Ancestry

Ancestors of Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough
8. John Ponsonby, 4th Earl of Bessborough
4. Walter Ponsonby, 7th Earl of Bessborough
9. Lady Maria Fane
2. Edward Ponsonby, 8th Earl of Bessborough
10. Edward Eliot, 3rd Earl of St Germans
5. Lady Louisa Eliot
11. Lady Jemima Cornwallis
1. Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough
12. Thomas Guest
6. Sir John Guest, 1st Baronet
13. Jemima Phillips
3. Blanche Guest
14. Albemarle Bertie, 9th Earl of Lindsey
7. Lady Charlotte Bertie
15. Charlotte Susannah Elizabeth Layard

References

  1. ^ "Ponsonby, the Hon. Vere Brabazon (PNSY898VB)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
  2. "No. 28969". The London Gazette. 10 November 1914. p. 9143.
  3. ^ "No. 13147". The Edinburgh Gazette. 25 September 1917. p. 2073.
  4. ^ "No. 30338". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 October 1917. p. 10680.
  5. "No. 32169". The London Gazette. 21 December 1920. p. 12484.
  6. ^ Hillmer, Norman. "Biography > Governors General of Canada > Bessborough, Vere Brabazon". In Marsh, James H. (ed.). The Canadian Encyclopedia. Toronto: Historica Foundation of Canada. Archived from the original on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 31 March 2009.
  7. "Peer's Son Killed". The Manchester Guardian. 9 April 1925. p. 3. Retrieved 19 June 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. "No. 33700". The London Gazette. 20 March 1931. p. 1877.
  9. ^ Office of the Governor General of Canada. "Home > History > Former Governors General > British > The Earl of Bessborough 1931–1935". Queen's Printer for Canada. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
  10. "The Earl of Bessborough". gg.ca. 3 March 2017.
  11. Kalbfleisch, John (29 March 2009). "Shipping heiress kept theatre alive in Montreal". The Gazette. Montreal: Canwest. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. Retrieved 29 March 2009.
  12. "No. 13384". The Edinburgh Gazette. 1 January 1919. pp. 204–205.
  13. "No. 33690". The London Gazette. 17 February 1931. p. 1124.
  14. "No. 33700". The London Gazette. 20 March 1931. p. 1877.
  15. "No. 34064". The London Gazette. 26 June 1934. p. 4057.
  16. "No. 31615". The London Gazette. 24 October 1919. p. 13002.
  17. ^ Mosley, Charles, ed. (2003), Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, vol. 3 (107 ed.), Wilmington: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, p. 363
  18. "University of Alberta Senate > Honorary Degrees > Past Honorary Degree Recipients > P". University of Alberta. Archived from the original on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2009.
  19. "Clear Water Academy > Our School > Facilities". Clear Water Academy. Retrieved 31 March 2009.
  20. Burke's Peerage. 1949.

External links

Government offices
Preceded byThe Earl of Willingdon Governor General of Canada
1931–1935 		Succeeded byThe Lord Tweedsmuir
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded byJohn Sears Member of Parliament for Cheltenham
Jan 1910 – Dec 1910 		Succeeded byRichard Mathias
Preceded byGeorge Wyndham Member of Parliament for Dover
1913–1920 		Succeeded bySir Thomas Polson
Peerage of Ireland
Preceded byEdward Ponsonby Earl of Bessborough
1st creation
1920–1956 		Succeeded byFrederick Ponsonby
Viscount Duncannon
1920–1956
Baron Bessborough
1920–1956
Peerage of Great Britain
Preceded byEdward Ponsonby Baron Ponsonby of Sysonby
1920–1956 		Succeeded byFrederick Ponsonby
Peerage of the United Kingdom
Preceded byEdward Ponsonby Baron Duncannon
1920–1956 		Succeeded byFrederick Ponsonby
New creation Earl of Bessborough
2nd creation
1937–1956
Governors general of Canada
Categories: