Ronald Leslie-Melville, 11th Earl of Leven facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald Leslie-Melville, 11th Earl of Leven
K.T. P.C. D.L.
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Photograph of Ronald Leslie-Melville from 1861
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| Born | 1835 |
| Died | 1906 |
| Occupation | company director |
| Title | Earl of Leven |
Ronald Ruthven Leslie-Melville, 11th Earl of Leven and 10th Earl of Melville (born December 19, 1835 – died August 21, 1906) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held several significant roles in business and government during his lifetime.
Early Life and Education
Ronald Leslie-Melville was born in 1835. His father was John Thornton Leslie-Melville, 9th Earl of Leven. His mother was Sophia, daughter of Henry Thornton.
He went to school at Windlesham House School and then Eton College. These were both well-known schools in England. In 1854, he started studying at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1858 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1865.
In 1889, Ronald became the Earl of Leven. He took over this title after his half-brother, Alexander Leslie-Melville, 10th Earl of Leven, passed away.
Career and Public Service
Ronald Leslie-Melville had a busy career. He was a director for two major companies. He worked for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, which operated many ships. He was also a director at the Bank of England, a very important financial institution.
He served as a representative peer for Scotland from 1892 until his death. This meant he represented Scottish nobles in the British Parliament. From 1900 until his death, he was the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland. This was a high-ranking official role.
For nine years in a row, from 1898 to 1906, he was the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This role involved representing the monarch at the Church of Scotland's main meeting. He was also a deputy lieutenant for the City of London.
In 1902, he became a Privy Counsellor. This is a group of trusted advisors to the British monarch. In 1905, he was made a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very special honor in Scotland.
Ronald Leslie-Melville was also a good friend of Maharajah Duleep Singh. The Maharajah was the last ruler of the Sikh Empire in India. Ronald traveled with him from England to Italy in 1856.
Family Life
In 1885, Ronald Leslie-Melville married Emma Selina Portman. She was the eldest daughter of Henry Portman, 2nd Viscount Portman. They had several children together:
- John David Leslie-Melville, 12th Earl of Leven
- Archibald Alexander Leslie-Melville, 13th Earl of Leven
- Captain Honourable David William Leslie-Melville (1892–1938)
- Lieutenant-Colonel Honourable Ian Leslie-Melville (1894–1967)
- Lady Constance Betty Leslie-Melville (1888–1922)
