Baron Derwent facts for kids

Baron Derwent is a special title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Think of it like a very old and important family honor. This title was first given on October 10, 1881, to a man named Sir Harcourt Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone. He was a Member of Parliament for Scarborough and belonged to the Liberal Party.

The Baronetcy of Hackness Hall is another old family honor. It was created even earlier, on July 6, 1795, for Richard Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone. He was also a Member of Parliament, representing Weymouth. The family name "Derwent" (pronounced "Darwent") comes from the River Derwent in Yorkshire.

What is a Baron Derwent?

A Baron is a noble title, one of the lowest ranks in the Peerage. People with these titles are often called "Lord" or "Lady." The title of Baron Derwent was created in 1881. This means it's a relatively newer noble title compared to some others.

The First Baron Derwent

The very first Baron Derwent was Sir Harcourt Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone. Before he became a Baron, he was already a Baronet (another type of hereditary title). He was known for being a politician.

Later Barons and Their Roles

After the first Baron, the title passed down through his family.

• The third Baron Derwent was a writer, a poet, and even worked as a diplomat. This means he represented his country in other nations.
• When he passed away in 1949, his younger brother became the fourth Baron. This Baron was also involved in politics. He served in the government under Prime Ministers Harold Macmillan and Sir Alec Douglas-Home. He held important jobs like Minister of State for Trade and Minister of State for Home Affairs.
• As of 2010, the title is held by the fifth Baron, who inherited it in 1986.

The Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone Baronets

A Baronet is a hereditary title, meaning it passes down through the family, usually from father to son. It's a bit like a knight, but the title is passed on. The Baronetcy of Hackness Hall started in 1795.

How the Baronetcy Began

The first Baronet was Richard Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone. He was born Richard Johnstone. His mother's family owned Hackness Hall in Yorkshire. In 1793, he changed his name to Vanden-Bempde to honor his mother's family. A couple of years later, he was allowed to add Johnstone back to his name, making it Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone.

Important Baronets in the Family

• The second Baronet, Sir John Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, was also a Member of Parliament. He represented Yorkshire and Scarborough.
• His son was the third Baronet, Sir Harcourt Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone. He was the one who later became the first Baron Derwent in 1881.

Who Will Be Next?

The person who is expected to inherit the title next is called the heir apparent. For the current Baron Derwent, his son, the Honourable Francis Patrick Harcourt Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, is the heir.

Interestingly, the current Baron's oldest sister, Emmeline, is part of a group that wants to change the rules for inheriting noble titles. Right now, many of these titles can only be passed down to male family members. She believes women should also be able to inherit them.

Where Does the Name "Derwent" Come From?

The name "Derwent" for the barony comes from the River Derwent in Yorkshire. It's a way to connect the title to a specific place important to the family.

Family Tree of Barons Derwent

• Harcourt Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, 1st Baron Derwent (1829–1916)
• Francis Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, 2nd Baron Derwent (1851–1929)
• George Harcourt Vanden-Bampde-Johnstone, 3rd Baron Derwent (1899–1949)
• Patrick Robin Gilbert Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, 4th Baron Derwent (1901–1986)
• Robin Evelyn Leo Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, 5th Baron Derwent (born 1930)

Family Tree of Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone Baronets

• Sir Richard Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, 1st Baronet (died 1807)
• Sir John Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, 2nd Baronet (1799–1869)
• Sir Harcourt Vanden-Bempde-Johnstone, 3rd Baronet (1829–1916) (He later became the 1st Baron Derwent)

See also

• Johnstone baronets of Westerhall