Thomas Pakenham (historian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Longford
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| Earl of Longford | |
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| Tenure | 3 August 2001 – present |
| Predecessor | Frank Longford |
| Born | Thomas Francis Dermot Pakenham 14 August 1933 |
| Spouse(s) |
Valerie Susan Scott
(after 1964) |
| Issue | 4 |
| Parents | The 7th Earl of Longford Elizabeth Harman |
Thomas Francis Dermot Pakenham (born August 14, 1933), also known as Thomas Pakenham, is a famous historian and expert on trees. He comes from both English and Irish backgrounds and has written many award-winning books. His books cover different topics like African history, British history from the Victorian era, and, of course, trees.
Early Life and Learning
Thomas Pakenham is the oldest son of Frank Pakenham, 7th Earl of Longford. His father was a politician who worked for the Labour government. His mother, Elizabeth Longford, was also a well-known author.
Thomas has seven brothers and sisters. Many of them are also writers! For example, his sister Antonia Fraser is a historian and biographer. Another sister, Rachel Billington, is also a writer. His sister Judith Kazantzis is a poet.
Thomas went to school at Belvedere College in Dublin, Ireland. Later, he studied at Magdalen College, Oxford University. After finishing college in 1955, he traveled to Ethiopia. He wrote about his adventures there in his first book, The Mountains of Rasselas, published in 1959.
A Life of Writing and Trees
After his travels, Thomas Pakenham returned to Britain. He worked for several newspapers, including the Times Educational Supplement, The Sunday Telegraph, and The Observer.
Today, he spends his time between London and County Westmeath, Ireland. In Ireland, he is the leader of the Irish Tree Society. He also helps look after Tullynally Castle, a historic place.
Thomas Pakenham inherited the title of Earl of Longford from his father in 2001. However, he prefers not to use this title. He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2016. This is a special honor for writers.
Family Life
In 1964, Thomas Pakenham married Valerie Susan McNair Scott. They had four children together.
- Lady Anna Maria Pakenham (born July 26, 1965)
- Lady Eliza Pakenham (born November 3, 1966)
- Edward Melchior Pakenham, Lord Silchester (born January 6, 1970). He is the person who will inherit the Earl of Longford title next.
- Hon Frederick Augustus Pakenham (born November 27, 1971)
Valerie Pakenham passed away on January 22, 2023, when she was 83 years old.
