Arthur Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, 1st Governor-General of New Zealand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Foljambe,_2nd_Earl_of_Liverpool

Arthur William de Brito Savile Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool GCB, GCMG, GBE, MVO, PC, DL, JP (27 May 1870 – 15 May 1941), styled Viscount Hawkesbury between 1905 and 1907, was a British Liberal politician and the first Governor-General of New Zealand.

Background and educationBorn at Compton Place, Eastbourne, Sussex, Liverpool was the eldest son and only surviving child of Cecil Foljambe, 1st Earl of Liverpool, by his first wife Louisa Howard, daughter of Frederick John Howard. On his mother's side he descended from Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington, the architect. He was educated at Eton and the Sandhurst before joining the Rifle Brigade. He served in the Second Boer War before retiring as a captain in 1906.

Political career

Liverpool succeeded his father in the earldom in 1907 and took his seat in the House of Lords on the Liberal benches. In July 1909 he was appointed Comptroller of the Household in the Liberal administration of H. H. Asquith, a post he held until 1912. The latter year he was appointed Governor of New Zealand. In 1917 the office was raised in dignity to that of Governor-General of New Zealand. The same year Liverpool was also admitted to the Privy Council. His term was extended to cover the visit of the Prince of Wales. He retired as Governor-General in 1920 and was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) on 7 October 1920.

During the First World War, Liverpool conferred his title upon a New Zealand infantry regiment. The New Zealand Rifle Brigade (Earl of Liverpool's Own) was formed in 1915, served with the New Zealand Division during the war and was disbanded in 1919.

Family

Lord Liverpool married the Hon. Annette Louise Monck, daughter of Henry Monck, 5th Viscount Monck, in 1897. They had no children. In 1918, Annette, Countess of Liverpool was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE). He owned Hartsholme Hall from 1909 to 1939.

He died at his home Canwick Hall in May 1941, aged 70, and was succeeded in his titles by his half-brother, Gerald Foljambe. The Countess of Liverpool died in May 1948, aged 73.