Lionel Cripps facts for kids
The Hon. Lionel Cripps, CMG (born October 11, 1863 – died February 3, 1950), was an important figure in the early history of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He became the very first Speaker of the Southern Rhodesian Legislative Assembly, which is like being the leader of the country's main law-making group.
Early Life and Pioneer Days
Lionel Cripps was born in Shimla, India, and later went to school in England. His father was a General in the army in India. In 1879, when he was about 16, Cripps moved to South Africa and started farming.
In 1890, Cripps joined a group called the Pioneer Column. This group helped settle the area known as Mashonaland. After this, he looked for valuable minerals in the Mazowe area. He eventually settled near Mutare (which was then called Umtali) to start a farm. He became the first farmer in Rhodesia to grow tobacco as a business. He also helped other farmers by leading a "vigilance committee" to share their concerns with Cecil Rhodes, a powerful leader at the time. They also asked for political rights for farmers in Rhodesia.
Family Life
On April 6, 1893, Lionel Cripps married Mary Lovemore in Cape Town. They had five children together: four sons named Lionel, Hereward, Harold, and Derick, and one daughter named Angela.
A Career in Politics
In 1903, Cripps helped create and lead an important group called the Rhodesian Agricultural Union (RAU). This group spoke for settler farmers in the region. He tried to use his influence to start a political career. He didn't win an election in 1911, but he was elected to the Southern Rhodesian Legislative Council in 1914.
He was re-elected in 1920. Then, in 1923, when the Legislative Assembly was formed, Cripps was chosen as its very first Speaker. This was a big honor and showed how much people trusted him.
Later Life and Legacy
After he retired from politics in 1935, Cripps continued to contribute to his community. He helped set up the National Archives, which is a place where important historical documents are kept. He also became a member of the Historical Monuments Commission, which works to protect important historical sites.
Cripps developed a strong interest in Rock art, which are ancient paintings and drawings found on rocks. He made copies of all the rock art he could find in Rhodesia. Many of his copies of these amazing ancient artworks are now kept at the University of Zimbabwe's Archaeological Unit. In 2007, a book called Immortalising the Past - Reproductions of Zimbabwean Rock Art by Lionel Cripps was published about his work.
Lionel Cripps passed away in Umtali, Southern Rhodesia.
