Osbert Peake, 1st Viscount Ingleby facts for kids

Osbert Peake, 1st Viscount Ingleby (born December 30, 1897 – died October 11, 1966) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He held significant government roles, including being the Minister of National Insurance and later the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance from 1951 to 1955.

Early Life and Education

Osbert Peake went to Eton College, a famous school. After that, he trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, which is a military academy. He served as a soldier in the Coldstream Guards during the First World War. Later, he joined another military group called the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry.

In 1919, he started studying history at Christ Church, Oxford University. He finished his degree in 1921. Two years later, in 1923, he became a barrister. This means he was qualified to argue cases in court as a lawyer.

Political Career

Osbert Peake first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1922 but didn't win. However, in 1929, he was successfully elected as the MP for Leeds North.

In April 1939, he became the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. This role meant he helped the main minister in charge of internal affairs. In October 1944, he took on another important job as the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. This role involved managing government money.

When his party was not in power, he became a strong supporter of the Beveridge social reform ideas. These ideas aimed to create a better welfare system for everyone. When the Conservatives returned to power in 1951, he became the Minister of National Insurance. From September 1953, his title changed to Minister of Pensions and National Insurance. In October 1954, he joined the Cabinet, which is a group of the most important government ministers.

In December 1955, Osbert Peake decided to leave the government. This happened shortly after Anthony Eden became Prime Minister, taking over from Winston Churchill.

Family Life

On June 19, 1922, Osbert Peake married Lady Joan Rachel de Vere Capell. She was the younger daughter of a nobleman named George Capell, the 7th Earl of Essex. Osbert and Joan had five children together:

• Iris Irene Adele Peake (1923–2021) was a lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret. This meant she helped the Princess with her duties.
• Sonia Mary Peake (1924–2009) married David Hay, 12th Marquess of Tweeddale. She had twin sons.
• Martin Raymond Peake (1926–2008) was their only son.
• Imogen Clarissa Peake (1934–1937).
• Mary Rose Peake (born 1940).

Honours and Titles

In 1943, Osbert Peake became a Privy Counsellor. This is a special honour given to important people who advise the King or Queen. On January 17, 1956, he was given the title of Viscount Ingleby. This made him a member of the peerage, a group of people with special hereditary titles. When he passed away in 1966, his only son, Martin, inherited his title.

Coat of Arms

Arms of Osbert Peake, 1st Viscount Ingleby

Coronet Coronet of a viscount Crest A Heart Gules between two Wings displayed Erminois Escutcheon Sable three Crosses patée Argent within an Orle of eight Fleur-de-lys and a Bordure Or Supporters On either side a Blackfaced Swaledale Ram proper holding in the mouth a Rose Argent barbed seeded slipped and leaved also proper Motto Quae Supra Quaerenda (What is on high is worth seeking)