George Sclater-Booth, 1st Baron Basing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Basing
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"The safe man". Caricature by Ape published in Vanity Fair in 1874.
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| President of the Local Government Board | |
| In office 1874–1880 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Prime Minister | Benjamin Disraeli |
| Preceded by | James Stansfeld |
| Succeeded by | John George Dodson |
| Financial Secretary to the Treasury | |
| In office 4 March 1868 – 1 December 1868 |
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| Preceded by | George Ward Hunt |
| Succeeded by | Acton Smee Ayrton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 May 1826 London |
| Died | 22 October 1894 (aged 68) Hoddington House, Hampshire |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Lydia Birch (d. 1881) |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
George Limbrey Sclater-Booth, 1st Baron Basing (born May 19, 1826 – died October 22, 1894) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. Before 1887, he was known as George Sclater-Booth.
He served as the President of the Local Government Board from 1874 to 1880. This was during the time when Benjamin Disraeli was the Prime Minister.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Sclater-Booth was born in London. His father was William Lutley Sclater. His mother was Anna Maria. George had a brother named Philip Sclater, who became a famous naturalist.
He went to Winchester College and then to Balliol College, Oxford. In 1851, he became a lawyer. In 1857, he added "Booth" to his last name. He did this to follow the wishes of Anna Maria Booth's will.
Political Journey
George Sclater-Booth started his political career in 1857. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for North Hampshire. He represented this area until 1885.
After that, he became the MP for Basingstoke. He held this seat until 1887. That year, he was given the title of a peer, becoming Baron Basing.
Government Roles
His first government job was in 1867. He worked for the Poor Law Board. This board helped manage support for people in need.
Later, in 1868, he became the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. This role involved managing government money.
When the Conservative Party returned to power in 1874, he got a big job. He became the President of the Local Government Board. He held this position until 1880. This board was in charge of local services and public health.
In 1874, he also became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the Queen.
Improving Public Health
In 1874, George Sclater-Booth helped improve air quality. He suggested a change to the Alkali Act 1863. This act aimed to reduce pollution from factories. His changes became law in 1875.
In 1876, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group of scientists.
Family Life
Lord Basing married Lydia Caroline Birch in 1857. They had ten children together. They had four sons and six daughters.
Lydia passed away in 1881. Lord Basing died thirteen years later, in October 1894. He was 68 years old. His oldest son, George, took over his title.
One of his daughters, Eleanor Birch Sclater-Booth, married Henry Wilson-Fox in 1898. Henry later became a Conservative MP too.
