Evelyn Baring, 1st Baron Howick of Glendale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Howick of Glendale
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Baring in 1926
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| Governor of Kenya | |
| In office 30 September 1952 – 4 October 1959 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Sir Philip Euen Mitchell |
| Succeeded by | Sir Patrick Muir Renison |
| High Commissioner for Southern Africa | |
| In office 7 October 1944 – 1 October 1951 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Preceded by | The Lord Harlech |
| Succeeded by | Sir John le Rougetel |
| Governor of Southern Rhodesia | |
| In office 10 December 1942 – 26 October 1944 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Preceded by | Sir Herbert Stanley |
| Succeeded by | Sir Campbell Tait |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Evelyn Baring
29 September 1903 England |
| Died | 10 March 1973 (aged 69) Northumberland, England, United Kingdom |
| Spouse | Lady Mary Cecil Gray |
| Children | 3, including Charles, 2nd Baron Howick of Glendale |
| Alma mater | New College, Oxford |
| Awards |
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Evelyn Baring, 1st Baron Howick of Glendale (born September 29, 1903 – died March 10, 1973) was an important British official. He served as a governor and high commissioner in different parts of Africa. He was the Governor of Southern Rhodesia from 1942 to 1944. Later, he became the High Commissioner for Southern Africa from 1944 to 1951. His final major role was as the Governor of Kenya from 1952 to 1959.
During his time in Kenya, Baring played a big part in handling the Mau Mau rebellion. He worked with the Colonial Secretary, Alan Lennox-Boyd, to guide Kenya towards independence. In 1960, he was given the title of the 1st Baron Howick of Glendale.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Evelyn Baring followed in the footsteps of his father, who was famous for his work in Egypt. Evelyn went to Winchester College, a well-known school. After that, he studied at New College, Oxford University. He earned top honors in Modern History.
After finishing his studies, Baring joined the Indian Civil Service. This was a group of British officials who helped govern India. Later, he moved to Britain's Foreign Office. His first assignments were in Southern Rhodesia and then South Africa. In South Africa, he served as the High Commissioner.
A Royal Marriage Decision
In 1949, while Baring was the High Commissioner for Southern Africa, he was involved in a unique situation. It concerned Seretse Khama, who was supposed to become the leader of the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Khama had married a white woman named Ruth Williams.
The government of South Africa, a nearby country, did not approve of this marriage. They had a system of strict separation based on race. Baring worked with other government officials to decide what to do. They decided that Seretse Khama could not become leader at that time. Instead, he had to live in London until 1956.
Governing Kenya
As Governor of Kenya, Evelyn Baring faced a challenging time. On October 20, 1952, he declared a State of Emergency. This was because of the Mau Mau Uprising, a rebellion against British rule. Baring's government launched an operation called "Operation Jock Scott." This operation aimed to capture suspected Mau Mau leaders, including Jomo Kenyatta.
Baring's administration used various methods to deal with the rebellion. They developed a "dilution technique." This involved using tough tactics to make detainees cooperate. Baring asked for and received permission to use strong force from the Colonial Secretary in London. He believed these firm actions were necessary to stop the rebellion.
Life After Kenya
Evelyn Baring left Kenya in 1959. The next year, in 1960, he was given the title of the 1st Baron Howick of Glendale. This meant he became a member of the British nobility. He then moved to his family home, Howick Hall, which his wife, Lady Mary Cecil Grey, had inherited.
Lord Howick of Glendale enjoyed watching birds in his retirement. He also took on a role with the government's Colonial Development Corporation. This organization helped with development projects in former colonies.
Family Life
Evelyn Baring married Lady Mary Cecil Grey on April 24, 1935. They had three children together:
- Hon Katherine Mary Alice Baring (born March 30, 1936)
- Charles Evelyn Baring, 2nd Baron Howick of Glendale (born December 30, 1937)
- Hon Elizabeth Beatrice Baring (born January 10, 1940)
Lord Howick of Glendale passed away on March 10, 1973, at the age of 69. He had an accident while climbing a cliff on his estate. He slipped and fell about 15 feet. His son, Charles, inherited his title.
Awards and Recognition
Evelyn Baring received several important honors during his lifetime:
- He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1942. He was later advanced to Knight Grand Cross (GCMG) in 1955.
- He became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 1947.
- He was created the 1st Baron Howick of Glendale in 1960.
- He was honored as a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG) in 1972.
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of Evelyn Baring
