Sidney Elphinstone, 16th Lord Elphinstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Elphinstone
KT, FRSE, FRSGS
|
|
|---|---|
Elphinstone as caricatured in Vanity Fair in May 1911.
|
|
| Born |
Sidney Herbert Elphinstone
27 July 1869 Carberry Tower, East Lothian, Scotland
|
| Died | 28 November 1955 (aged 86) |
| Alma mater | Marlborough College |
| Title | 16th Lord Elphinstone |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children |
|
| Parents |
|
Sidney Herbert Elphinstone (born July 27, 1869 – died November 28, 1955) was an important British nobleman. He held the titles of the 16th Lord Elphinstone and 2nd Baron Elphinstone. He was also known by his special honors, KT, FRSE, and FRSGS.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sidney Herbert Elphinstone was born on July 27, 1869, at a place called Carberry Tower. This tower is located south-east of Edinburgh, in Scotland.
His father was William Elphinstone, 15th Lord Elphinstone, and his mother was Lady Constance Murray. Sidney came from a family with a long history.
He went to school at Marlborough College. After his father passed away in 1893, Sidney took on the family titles and responsibilities.
Public Service and Important Roles
Lord Elphinstone held many important positions throughout his life. These roles showed his dedication to public service and various organizations.
Church and State Roles
From 1923 to 1924, he served as the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This was a special role representing the King or Queen at the Church of Scotland's main meeting.
Later, from 1944 until he died, he was the Lord Clerk Register of Scotland. This job involved keeping important public records for Scotland. He was also the Keeper of the Signet, which meant he was in charge of the official seal used for important documents.
Conservation and Banking
Lord Elphinstone cared about protecting nature and history. From 1924 to 1930, he was the president of the Cockburn Association. This group works to preserve the beauty and history of Edinburgh.
He also played a big role in finance. He was the Governor of the Bank of Scotland for many years, from 1924 to 1955. This meant he was in charge of the bank's operations.
Royal Honors and Societies
In 1927, he received a very special honor: he was made a Knight of the Thistle. This is one of the highest honors in Scotland. From 1949, he became the Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle, leading this group of knights.
He was also the Captain General of the Royal Company of Archers from 1935 to 1953. This is a ceremonial bodyguard unit for the King or Queen in Scotland.
In 1938, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). This honor is given to people who have made important contributions to science and knowledge.
The "Scrap Book"
Lord Elphinstone created a special "Scrap book." This book is now kept in the Mary Ann Beinecke Decorative Art Collection at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Library.
His "Scrap book" lists the different clans of Scotland. It also shows the special badges each clan used. The book is rare because it includes real fabric samples of clan tartans. It also has beautiful watercolor pictures of the flowers linked to each clan. You can view this unique book online through the Digital Collections of the Clark Library.
Family Life and Connections
Lord Elphinstone married Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon on July 24, 1910. Their wedding took place in Westminster, London.
Lady Mary was the daughter of Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. She was also the sister of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. This made Lord Elphinstone a brother-in-law to the Queen Mother.
Lord Elphinstone and Lady Mary had five children:
- The Hon. Mary Elizabeth Elphinstone (1911–1980). She was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Prince Albert (who later became King George VI) and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923.
- John Elphinstone, 17th Lord Elphinstone (1914–1975). He became the 17th Lord Elphinstone after his father.
- The Hon. Jean Constance Elphinstone (1915–1999). She married Captain John Wills. Their daughter, Marilyn, was a goddaughter of Princess Margaret. Marilyn was also a bridesmaid at Princess Margaret's wedding in 1960.
- The Hon. and Rev. Andrew Charles Victor Elphinstone (1918–1975). He married Jean Hambro. Their son, James, later became the 18th Lord Elphinstone. Andrew's wife, Jean, was a Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II.
- The Hon. Margaret Elphinstone (1925–2016). She married Denys Rhodes. Margaret was a bridesmaid at the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth (who became Queen Elizabeth II) and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Lord Elphinstone passed away on November 28, 1955, at the age of 86.
