Harold Gray (landowner) facts for kids

Sir Harold William Stannus Gray (born August 16, 1867 – died May 23, 1951) was an important person from Ireland and England. He owned a lot of land, bred fast racehorses, and was a politician. He was a Member of Parliament for a short time and worked hard to help farmers.

Early Life and Education

Harold Gray was born in County Antrim, Ireland, at his family's home called Graymount. His father, Major George Gray, was a local leader. When Harold was only 12 years old, his father passed away, and Harold inherited the family estate.

Even though he now owned a large estate, he continued his education. He went to Eton College, a famous school, in 1881. After a year there, he went to Magdalene College at Cambridge University in 1885. After finishing his studies, he returned to Graymount to manage his family's land. In 1894, he married his cousin, Rowena Stannus.

Horse Breeding and Public Service

Sir Harold Gray became very good at breeding thoroughbred racehorses. He did this at his estate in County Antrim and also at another estate he bought in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1904. His horses raced in both England and Ireland.

He also took on important roles in his community. In 1895, he was the High Sheriff of County Antrim, which was a special local position. During World War I, Harold and his wife went to France to help. They worked in hospitals that cared for injured soldiers. Harold even drove an ambulance for the French Red Cross. He also became a Justice of the peace in County Antrim, helping with local law and order.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Harold Gray's land in England was in the Cambridgeshire area, which was also a place that elected a MP. In the 1922 election, the current MP was Edwin Samuel Montagu.

Many people in the Conservative Party in Cambridgeshire wanted a new MP. They chose Harold Gray to be their candidate in October 1922.

Working for Farmers

When Harold Gray ran for Parliament, he focused on helping farmers. He said that the government had promised to support farmers but then stopped. He wanted all eggs imported from other countries to be clearly marked so people knew where they came from. He also thought it was important to build more affordable homes for people to rent.

Harold Gray won the election! He became a Member of Parliament. In Parliament, he continued to focus on farming. He asked the government to make laws that would raise the wages of farm workers. He also supported a bill that would make sure all imported goods were marked with their country of origin. This was important to him, just as he had promised during his election campaign.

Later Years and Honors

A new election was called in November 1923, but Harold Gray became ill. Because of his health, he had to step down and could not run for Parliament again. So, he left Parliament.

After he recovered, he continued to be involved in public life. He became a County Councillor in Cambridgeshire. He also served as High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire again from 1939 to 1940.

In 1938, he received a special honor from the King. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) for his important work in politics and public service in Cambridgeshire.

Harold Gray's only son, Terence, later became a well-known philosopher.