Charles Duncombe, 3rd Earl of Feversham facts for kids

Charles William Slingsby "Sim" Duncombe, 3rd Earl of Feversham DSO (2 November 1906 – 4 September 1963) was an important British politician from the Conservative Party. He was known by different titles during his life, first as the Hon. Charles Duncombe and then as Viscount Helmsley before he became the Earl of Feversham. He served in the government and was also a soldier during the Second World War.

A Life of Service

Early Years

Charles Duncombe was born on November 2, 1906. His parents were Charles Duncombe, 2nd Earl of Feversham, and Lady Marjorie Blanche Eva. His mother was the daughter of Francis Greville, 5th Earl of Warwick. Charles went to a famous school called Eton.

When he was only nine years old, in 1916, Charles became the Earl of Feversham. This happened because his father was sadly killed during the First World War.

Working in Government

As the Earl of Feversham, Charles took his place in the House of Lords. This is the upper house of the British Parliament. He was part of the Conservative Party.

From 1934 to 1936, he worked as a Lord-in-waiting. This role meant he was a government whip in the House of Lords, helping to manage government business. He served under Prime Ministers Ramsay MacDonald and Stanley Baldwin.

Later, from 1936 to 1939, he became the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. He was also the Deputy Minister of Fisheries. He worked under Prime Ministers Baldwin and then Neville Chamberlain.

Military Service

Lord Feversham was also a dedicated soldier. He held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars. He was also an Honorary Colonel in the Queen's Own Yorkshire Yeomanry.

He bravely fought in the Second World War. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1945. This is a very important military award.

Helping Others

Beyond his government and military roles, Lord Feversham also contributed to education and social work. From 1959 until his death, he was the Treasurer of the University of Leeds.

He also had experience as a probation officer. A probation officer helps people who have been in trouble with the law to get their lives back on track. Lord Feversham later became the President of the Association of Probation Officers. His experience was even mentioned when the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 was being discussed in Parliament.

Family Life

In 1936, Lord Feversham married Lady Anne Dorothy Wood. She was the daughter of E. F. L. Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax. They had one daughter together:

• Lady Clarissa Duncombe (born October 11, 1938 – died July 23, 2021). She married Nicholas Spencer Compton Collin. They had two children, Frederick (born October 30, 1967) and Laura (born August 25, 1969). Lady Collin held important roles herself. She served as High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire. The family lived in a place called Pockley.

His Legacy

Lord Feversham passed away in September 1963, at the age of 56. When he died, his titles of Earl and Viscount became extinct, meaning they ended because he had no sons to inherit them. However, his junior title of Baron Feversham was passed on to his fourth cousin, Peter Duncombe, 6th Baron Feversham.

His wife, the Countess of Feversham, was also recognized for her contributions. She was made an MBE in 1950 and a CBE in 1979. She died in 1995.