Herwald Ramsbotham, 1st Viscount Soulbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscount Soulbury
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| Minister of Pensions | |
| In office 30 July 1936 – 7 June 1939 |
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| Monarch | Edward VIII George VI |
| Prime Minister | Stanley Baldwin Neville Chamberlain |
| Preceded by | Robert Hudson |
| Succeeded by | Sir Walter Womersley, Bt |
| First Commissioner of Works | |
| In office 7 June 1939 – 3 April 1940 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Prime Minister | Neville Chamberlain |
| Preceded by | Sir Philip Sassoon, Bt |
| Succeeded by | The Earl De La Warr |
| President of the Board of Education | |
| In office 3 April 1940 – 20 July 1941 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Prime Minister | Neville Chamberlain Winston Churchill |
| Preceded by | The Earl De La Warr |
| Succeeded by | R. A. Butler |
| Governor-General of Ceylon | |
| In office 6 July 1949 – 17 July 1954 |
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| Monarch | George VI Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore |
| Succeeded by | Sir Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 March 1887 |
| Died | 30 January 1971 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
Herwald Ramsbotham, 1st Viscount Soulbury (born March 6, 1887 – died January 30, 1971) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He worked as a government minister for ten years, from 1931 to 1941. Later, he served as the Governor-General of Ceylon (which is now Sri Lanka) from 1949 to 1954.
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Early Life and Education
Herwald Ramsbotham was born into a family from Crowborough Warren. He attended Uppingham School, a well-known school in Rutland, England.
Military Service
During his early career, Ramsbotham served in the military. In 1915, he became a Temporary Lieutenant and was quickly promoted to Temporary Captain. By 1918, he had become a Temporary Major. For his bravery and service, he received the Military Cross. He was also awarded the OBE in 1919 before he left the military that same year.
Political Career
Herwald Ramsbotham began his political journey when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Lancaster in 1929.
Early Government Roles
In 1931, he was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education. This role meant he helped the government with education matters. He kept this job even when Stanley Baldwin became Prime Minister in 1935.
From November 1935 to July 1936, he worked as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Here, he helped with issues related to farming and fishing.
Cabinet Minister Positions
In September 1936, Herwald Ramsbotham became the Minister of Pensions under Prime Minister Baldwin. He continued in this role when Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister in 1937.
In June 1939, he was made First Commissioner of Works. This job involved managing government buildings and public works. At this time, he also joined the Privy Council, a group of important advisors to the King.
In April 1940, Ramsbotham became a member of the Cabinet as the President of the Board of Education. He stayed in this position when Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940. However, he was replaced by R. A. Butler in July 1941.
Later Public Service
After leaving the Cabinet, in August 1941, he was given the title of Baron Soulbury. He then became the Chairman of the Assistance Board, a position he held until 1948. He also led the Soulbury Commission from 1944 to 1945, which was important for the future of Ceylon.
From 1949 to 1954, he served as the Governor-General of Ceylon. This was a very important role, representing the British monarch in Ceylon. He received further honors during this time, including the GCMG in 1949 and the GCVO in 1954. On June 10, 1954, he was given an even higher title, becoming Viscount Soulbury.
Family Life
Lord Soulbury passed away in January 1971 at the age of 83.
His elder son, James Ramsbotham, 2nd Viscount Soulbury, took over his title. His younger son, Sir Peter Ramsbotham, also had a distinguished career, serving as the British Ambassador to the United States from 1974 to 1977.
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