Patrick Buchan-Hepburn, 1st Baron Hailes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Hailes
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| Governor-General of the West Indies Federation |
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| In office 3 January 1958 – 31 May 1962 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Grantley Herbert Adams |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 April 1901 |
| Died | 5 November 1974 (aged 73) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College |
Patrick George Thomas Buchan-Hepburn, 1st Baron Hailes (born April 2, 1901 – died November 5, 1974) was a British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He is best known for being the only Governor-General of the West Indies Federation. This was a group of Caribbean islands that were briefly united from 1958 to 1962.
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Early Life and Education
Patrick Buchan-Hepburn was the youngest son of Sir Archibald Buchan-Hepburn. He went to Harrow, a famous school. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, a well-known university.
Political Career
Patrick Buchan-Hepburn started his career working for Winston Churchill. Churchill later became a famous Prime Minister. Buchan-Hepburn also served as a local council member in London.
He first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1929 but did not win. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the UK Parliament. In 1931, he was elected as an MP for Liverpool.
During World War II, he served in the military. After the war, he returned to politics. He became a "Whip" for the Conservative Party. A Whip is like a team leader who makes sure party members vote together. He later became the "Chief Whip," the main leader of the Whips.
In 1950, he became the MP for Beckenham. From 1951 to 1955, he was the Government Chief Whip. In 1957, he was given the title of Baron Hailes. This meant he became a "Lord" and could sit in the House of Lords.
Governor-General of the West Indies Federation
In 1958, the West Indies Federation was created. This was a new country formed by several Caribbean islands. It was a way for these islands to become more independent from Britain. Lord Hailes was chosen to be its first and only Governor-General. A Governor-General is the Queen's representative in a country that is part of the Commonwealth. He moved to Port of Spain in Trinidad.
The West Indies Federation lasted for four years. It was dissolved in 1962. After this, Lord Hailes returned to England. He then worked as the Chairman of the Historic Buildings Council. This group helps protect old and important buildings.
In 1962, he was also made a Companion of Honour. This is a special award given for great service to the country.
Personal Life
Patrick Buchan-Hepburn married Diana Mary in 1945. They did not have any children together. He passed away in November 1974, at the age of 73. Since he had no children, his title of Baron Hailes ended when he died.
