Christopher Vane, 10th Baron Barnard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Barnard
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| Member of the House of Lords | |
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Lord Temporal
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| In office 28 December 1918 – 19 October 1964 |
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| Preceded by | The 9th Baron Barnard |
| Succeeded by | The 11th Baron Barnard |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Christopher William Vane
28 October 1888 Raby Castle, County Durham, England |
| Died | 19 October 1964 (aged 75) Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Spouse |
Sylvia Mary Straker
(m. 1920) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Henry Cecil Vane (brother) Harry John Neville Vane (son) |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Military officer |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Unit | Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry Durham Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | MC |
Christopher William Vane, the 10th Baron Barnard, was an important British nobleman and a brave military officer. He was born on October 28, 1888, and passed away on October 19, 1964. As a peer, he was a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He also served with distinction in the British Army.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Christopher William Vane was born at Raby Castle in County Durham, England. His father was Henry Vane, 9th Baron Barnard, and his mother was Lady Catharine Sarah Cecil. She was the daughter of a very important nobleman, the 3rd Marquess of Exeter.
Like his father, Christopher attended Eton College, a famous boarding school. After Eton, he went to Trinity College, Cambridge, to study for his university degree. While at Cambridge, he joined a group called the Freemasons.
A Career in Service
Military Service and Bravery
After finishing his studies, Christopher joined the army. He fought in World War I, which was a huge global conflict. He became a major in a unit called the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry.
During the war, he showed great courage and was awarded the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery in battle. He was also wounded twice while fighting. A special report from July 1918 described his bravery:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His company was the last of the battalion to evacuate the trenches. He remained behind until all his men were clear, and assisted in giving covering fire with the last platoon, although badly wounded. He set a fine example and cheered his men on, quite regardless of his own safety.
Sadly, his older brother, Henry Cecil Vane, was also wounded in World War I and died in 1917. This meant that Christopher became the next in line to inherit the title of Baron Barnard.
In 1922, he became a major in the 6th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. He served with this unit until 1931.
Public Service and Community Roles
After leaving the military, Lord Barnard took on many important roles, especially in County Durham. From 1920 to 1963, he was involved with the Zetland Hunt.
From 1958 to 1964, he held the important position of Lord Lieutenant of Durham. A Lord Lieutenant is the King's or Queen's personal representative in a county. He also served as a leader for the Boy Scouts Association in Durham. He was also very interested in gardening and growing plants, which is called a horticulturist.
Lord Barnard lived at Raby Castle, a historic family home.
Family Life
On October 14, 1920, Christopher married Sylvia Mary Straker. They had three children together:
- The Honourable Rosemary Myra Vane (1921–1999)
- Harry John Neville Vane, 11th Baron Barnard (1923–2016)
- The Honourable Gerald Raby Vane (1926–1993)
Awards and Recognition
Lord Barnard received several special honours for his service. In 1930, he was made a Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. This is an order of chivalry that recognizes important service. He also became an honorary Colonel in the Durham Light Infantry. In 1955, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, another important honour.
Later Years and Passing
In 1964, Lord Barnard stepped down from his role as Lord Lieutenant of County Durham. A few weeks before he passed away, he also gave up most of his family's land, keeping only a small part of the large Raby estate. He also resigned from leading the County Territorial Army and Air Force Association.
He died on October 19, 1964, in Newcastle upon Tyne.
