Ian Anstruther facts for kids
Sir Ian Anstruther (1922-2007) was a very important person from Scotland. He held two special titles called 'Baronet', which are like inherited noble ranks. He also had important traditional roles, such as the 'Hereditary Carver to the Sovereign' in Scotland. Sir Ian owned a lot of land and wrote many books about history.
Contents
Growing Up and Family Life
Ian Anstruther was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1922. He was the younger son of Douglas Tollemache Anstruther. His family had a long history, with many members serving in important roles. For example, his grandfather was a Member of Parliament (MP).
Because of family changes, Ian spent much of his childhood with his aunt, Joan Campbell. They lived in a large house in Argyllshire, Scotland, and also in London. His other aunt, Joyce, became famous as the writer Jan Struther. She created the well-known character, Mrs. Miniver.
Education and Military Service
Ian went to Eton College, a famous school. In 1939, when World War II began, he joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders regiment. He was good with radios, so he quickly moved to the Royal Corps of Signals. He became a captain in the army.
From 1940 to 1942, he studied Natural Sciences at New College, Oxford. After his studies, he trained for the invasion of France. He landed in Normandy three weeks after D-Day and led a team of signallers.
After the war, Ian worked in the Diplomatic Service. He spent four years in America as a private secretary to the British ambassador. In 1951, he moved to Paris to follow his dream of becoming a writer.
Family and Estates
Ian Anstruther married Geraldine Horner in 1951, and they had one daughter, Emily. Later, he married Susan Margaret Walker in 1963. With Susan, he had two sons and three daughters. His eldest son, Sebastian, inherited his titles and estates when Sir Ian passed away.
In 1960, Sir Ian was surprised to inherit a large property in South Kensington, London. This made him a wealthy man. He had already bought a country estate called Barlavington in West Sussex in 1956. This estate included about 3,000 acres (12 square kilometers) of woodlands and farmlands. He also bought a house near St. Tropez in France in 1973.
As a Writer and Historian
Sir Ian Anstruther wrote eight books. His books often explored interesting parts of 19th-century history. Some of his well-known works include:
- I Presume (1956): A biography about the journalist H. M. Stanley.
- The Knight and the Umbrella (1963): This book was about the Eglinton tournament, a famous medieval-style event.
- The Scandal of the Andover Workhouse (1973): This book looked at the unfairness of the old workhouse system.
- The Baronets' Champion (2006): A book about Sir Richard Broun.
He did much of his research at the London Library. In 1992, he gave money to help the library build a new part, which was named the Anstruther Wing. He was also a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a group that studies history and old objects.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Ian enjoyed driving cars, owning several sports cars like an Aston Martin DB6 and Porsches. He liked to drive slowly and carefully.
In 2002, he inherited two 'Baronet' titles from his cousin. These were the Baronetcies of Balcaskie (from 1694) and Anstruther (from 1700). He also held the traditional role of 'Hereditary Carver to the Sovereign' in Scotland.
Sir Ian had a fixed daily routine. He always wore a bow tie during the day and a cravat in the evening. He enjoyed walking in the South Downs and having lunch at local pubs, always drinking ginger beer. He would have tea at 5 PM and supper at 8:30 PM. He often dressed formally for dinner in a velvet suit.
Sir Ian Anstruther passed away in 2007 at his home in Barlavington. He left behind his daughter from his first marriage, and two sons and three daughters from his second marriage. His son Sebastian inherited his Scottish titles.
See also
- List of Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of London
