3-028-412 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Duke of Richmond, 1870. Engraving from a photograph by John Watkins, of the '...nobleman who has lately consented to take the post of leader of the Conservative party on the Opposition side of the House of Lords...The Right Hon. Charles Gordon Lennox...embraced the military profession, and obtained the rank of Captain in 1844. He acted as Aide-de-Camp to the Duke of Wellington, and...to Lord Hardinge, the Commanders-in-Chief, from 1842 to 1854...He was elected M.P. for West Sussex in July, 1841, being then Earl of March. In the month of March, 1858...the Earl of March became President of the Poor-Law Board and a Privy Councillor...He...[was appointed] President of the Board of Trade and a member of the Cabinet...It is a whimsical coincidence that the month of March, suggesting by its name the recollection of his second hereditary title, has thrice witnessed the advancement of this peer to a new step of political distinction. He is considered a judicious and respectable politician, though not a brilliant debater or statesman of commanding abilities. His public services have been rewarded with the dignity of Knight of the Garter...every Duke of Richmond, from the first to the present one, has borne the same baptismal name of Charles'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.