Arthur Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Baron Stanmore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Stanmore
|
|
|---|---|
Arthur Gordon circa 1870–1880.
|
|
| 9th Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick | |
| In office 26 October 1861 – 30 September 1866 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Premier |
|
| Preceded by | John Manners Sutton |
| Succeeded by | Charles Hastings Doyle |
| 19th Governor of Trinidad | |
| In office 7 November 1866 – 1870 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Preceded by | E. E. Bushworth |
| Succeeded by | James Robert Longden |
| 11th Governor of British Mauritius | |
| In office 21 February 1871 – 18 August 1874 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Preceded by | Sir Henry Barkly |
| Succeeded by | Sir Arthur Phayre |
| 1st High Commissioner for the Western Pacific | |
| In office June 1875 – January 1880 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Preceded by | Sir Hercules Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Des Vœux |
| 2nd Governor of Fiji | |
| In office June 1875 – January 1880 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Preceded by | Sir Hercules Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Des Vœux |
| 9th Governor of New Zealand | |
| In office 29 November 1880 – 24 June 1882 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Premier |
|
| Preceded by | Sir Hercules Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Jervois |
| 16th Governor of British Ceylon | |
| In office 3 December 1883 – 28 May 1890 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Preceded by | John Douglas |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Havelock (Acting governor) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 November 1829 |
| Died | 30 January 1912 (aged 82) |
| Relations | George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (father) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
Arthur Charles Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Baron Stanmore (born November 26, 1829 – died January 30, 1912) was an important British politician. He also worked as a colonial administrator, which means he helped govern countries that were part of the British Empire. He had many discussions with William Ewart Gladstone, who was a British Prime Minister.
Contents
Arthur Gordon's Life and Work
Arthur Gordon was born in London in 1829. He was the youngest son of George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, who was also a Prime Minister. Arthur's mother was Harriet Douglas.
He studied at home and then went to Trinity College, Cambridge. While there, he was the President of the Cambridge Union Society in 1849. This society is famous for its debates.
Early Career in Politics
After finishing college in 1851, Arthur Gordon worked for his father. He was an Assistant Private Secretary to the British Prime Minister from 1852 to 1855. He also served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Beverley from 1854 to 1857. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the British Parliament.
Working as a Governor
Arthur Gordon became a governor in many different parts of the world. These roles were very important for the British Empire.
Here are some of the places he governed:
- Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick (1861–1866): He helped New Brunswick agree to join the Canadian Confederation. This was a big step in forming Canada as a country.
- Governor of Trinidad (1866–1870)
- 11th Governor of Mauritius (1871–1874)
- Governor of Fiji (1875–1880): Fiji became a separate colony in 1875, and Arthur Gordon was its first Governor.
- High Commissioner for the Western Pacific (1877–1880): This role gave him authority over many islands in the Pacific.
- Governor of New Zealand (1880–1882)
- Governor of Ceylon (1883–1890)
Awards and Recognition
Arthur Gordon received important awards for his service. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1871. In 1878, he became a Knight Grand Cross of the same Order (GCMG). These are high honors given by the British Crown.
In 1893, he was given the title of Baron Stanmore. This meant he became a Lord and could sit in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament.
Later Business Ventures
In 1897, Lord Stanmore became the chairman of the Pacific Islands Company Ltd ('PIC'). This company was involved in mining phosphate rock on islands like Banaba and Nauru. Phosphate is a mineral used in fertilizers. He helped get the money needed and made deals with other companies. In 1902, his company joined with a German company to form the Pacific Phosphate Company ('PPC'). They continued to mine phosphate on these islands.
Collecting History
During his time as Governor of Fiji, Arthur Gordon collected many interesting items. These items showed the culture and history of the people there. He gave this collection to the British Museum in 1878, so others could learn from it.
He was also part of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts in 1900. This group worked to protect and study old historical documents.
Personal Life and Death
Arthur Hamilton-Gordon married Rachel Emily Shaw Lefevre in London on September 20, 1865. They had a daughter and a son together.
He was also appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire in 1861. This was an honorary role in a Scottish county.
Arthur Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Baron Stanmore, passed away in Chelsea, London, on January 30, 1912, at the age of 82.
Works
(Volume 51, Issue 4 of new series, American Philosophical Society Volume 51, Part 4 of Transactions Series Volume 51, Part 4 of Transactions of the American Philosophical Society new ser v. 51, no. 4)(Original from the University of California)
