Philip Hanson (civil servant) facts for kids

Sir Philip Herbert Hanson was an important British government worker, also known as a civil servant. He later worked for the Irish Free State. He lived from 1871 to 1955.

Early Life and Education

Philip Hanson was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. He went to school at the Royal High School in Edinburgh, Scotland. He then studied at the University of Edinburgh. Later, he attended Balliol College, Oxford, where he earned a top degree in "Greats." This subject included history, philosophy, and classical literature.

In 1895, Philip Hanson began his career in the British Civil Service. He started working for the War Office. The War Office was a government department that managed the British army.

Career in Public Service

From 1898 to 1903, Hanson worked as a private secretary. He assisted George Wyndham, who was a senior government official. Wyndham first served as the Under-Secretary of State for War. Later, he became the Chief Secretary for Ireland.

In 1903, Hanson received a new role in Ireland. He was appointed a Commissioner of Public Works. This meant he helped manage public building projects. He worked for the Commission of Public Works for many years. He stayed in this role until he retired in 1934.

Work During World War I

During World War I, Philip Hanson took on a special role. From 1915 to 1919, he worked for the Ministry of Munitions. This ministry was vital for supplying weapons and equipment during the war.

Hanson held several important positions there. He was the Director-General of Contracts. He also led the American Department. He even represented the Ministry in Paris, France.

Knighthood and Later Life

For his excellent work with the Ministry of Munitions, Philip Hanson was honored. He was already a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). In the 1920 New Year Honours, he was made a Knight Bachelor. This meant he could use the title "Sir."

Sir Philip continued to live in Dublin, Ireland. He stayed there until his death in 1955. In 1914, he married Constance Geraldine Tyrrell. She became well-known for hosting social events in Dublin.