Fergus Graham facts for kids

Sir Frederick Fergus Graham, 5th Baronet (born March 10, 1893 – died August 1, 1978) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He also held a special title called a Baronetcy, which is a hereditary honor.

Early Life and Education

Fergus Graham came from a well-known family in the Border region of Britain. His father was Sir Richard James Graham, who was the 4th Baronet. His mother was Lady Mabel Cynthia Duncombe.

He received a good education. He went to Eton College, which is a famous boarding school. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, a college at the University of Oxford.

Political Career and Public Service

Fergus Graham served in the military during World War I, which was called the Great War at the time. He was a Captain in the Irish Guards from 1914 to 1918. He was seriously injured while leading a charge in 1915. After he recovered, he worked as an aide-de-camp, helping senior military officers.

After the war, he went back to Oxford to study farming. He then became a farmer in North Cumberland.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Graham first became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1926. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament. He won a special election called a by-election in the North Cumberland area. He held this seat for nine years.

In 1935, he lost his seat in the general election to a different candidate.

Return to Parliament

Fergus Graham returned to Parliament in 1951. This time, he was elected as the MP for Darlington. He won against the existing Labour Party MP. He stayed in this role until he decided to retire in 1959.

Other Important Roles

In 1932, when his father passed away, Fergus Graham inherited the family title. He became the 5th Baronet Graham, of Netherby.

He also held a very important position called Lord Lieutenant of Cumberland. This role represents the King or Queen in a specific county. He was the Lord Lieutenant of Cumberland from 1958 to 1968.

Personal Life

In 1918, Fergus Graham married Mary Spencer Revell Reade. She was the only child of Major-General Raymond Northland Revell Reade.

They had two children together:

• Major Sir Charles Spencer Richard Graham, 6th Baronet (1919–1997). He later married Isabel Susan Anne Surtees.
• Cynthia Mary Graham (1923–1927). Sadly, she passed away when she was very young.

Sir Fergus Graham died on August 1, 1978. His son, Charles, then became the 6th Baronet.