Mark Grant-Sturgis facts for kids

Sir Mark Beresford Russell Grant-Sturgis (born Sturgis; 10 July 1884 – 29 April 1949) was an important British civil servant. He worked for the government and is best known for his role as an Assistant Under-Secretary for Ireland. This job meant he helped manage government affairs in Ireland during a very important time in its history.

Who Was Sir Mark Grant-Sturgis?

Sir Mark Grant-Sturgis was a dedicated public servant who spent his career working for the British government. He was born Mark Sturgis in 1884 and later added "Grant" to his name. His work involved helping to run different parts of the government, especially in Ireland.

Early Life and Family Roots

Mark Sturgis was the son of Julian Sturgis and Mary Maude Beresford. His mother, Mary Beresford, came from a family with interesting connections. She was a descendant of William Wylly, who was a Chief Justice in St. Vincent in the early 1800s. Her family also included Matilda Mathews, whose father, David Mathews, was the Loyalist Mayor of New York City during the American Revolutionary War. He was also connected to the Dutch American Schuyler family.

Mark received his education at Eton College, a famous school in England. After his schooling, he began his career in government.

A Career in Public Service

Sir Mark started his career as an assistant private secretary to H. H. Asquith, who was the chancellor of the exchequer at the time. The Chancellor of the Exchequer is a very important government minister in charge of the country's money.

From 1920 to 1922, he worked as an assistant to the joint Under-Secretaries for Ireland, James Macmahon and Sir John Anderson. This was a challenging time in Ireland, and his role involved helping with the administration. After this, he became the Presiding Special Commissioner of Income Tax, dealing with the country's taxes.

In 1923, he was recognized for his hard work and public service. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 1923 New Year Honours. This is a special honor given by the King or Queen for outstanding service.

Family Life

On 9 July 1914, Mark Sturgis married Lady Ellen Rachel Montagu-Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie. Her father was Francis Montagu-Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie, the 2nd Earl of Wharncliffe.

Sir Mark and Lady Ellen had three children:

• Patrick John Russell (born 1915)
• Pamela Rachael (born 1916)
• Robin Julian (born 1920)

Their daughter, Pamela, later married twice. Her first husband was Allan Alexander Cameron, and her second was Hon. Simon Baring.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1935, Mark Sturgis officially added the name "Grant" to his surname by royal licence. This is why he became known as Sir Mark Grant-Sturgis.

He passed away in London in 1949. His funeral was held at Golders Green Crematorium. Many important people attended, including Prince Tomislav of Yugoslavia, who represented his mother, Queen Maria. Other notable attendees included the Earl and Countess of Wharncliffe, Violet, Countess of Ypres, Lord Adam Gordon, Sir Neville Anderson, Sir Eric St John Bamford, and Sir Roderick Meiklejohn. This shows how respected he was in government and society.