Lord Carrington and the Wynn-Carington Family Legacy
The history of the Wynn-Carington family is a tapestry of high-society marriages, political influence, and the profound tragedies of the early 20th century. At the center of this lineage was Lord Carrington, whose life and descendants reflect the complexities of the British peerage during a period of global upheaval.
Marriage and Immediate Family
In 1878, Lord Carrington married the Hon. Cecilia Margaret Harbord (1856–1934). Cecilia was the daughter of Charles Harbord, the 5th Baron Suffield, and Cecilia Annetta Baring. Together, the couple had six children: one son and five daughters.
The family's only son, Albert Edward Charles Robert Wynn-Carington, known as Viscount Wendover (1895–1915), met a tragic end during World War I. While fighting at Ypres, he was wounded in action; he subsequently died on May 19, 1915, due to complications following the amputation of an arm.
Personal Life and Passing
Beyond his public and family life, historical records indicate a more private side to Lord Carrington. His name appears in the notebooks of Donald Swanson, a high-profile detective with Scotland Yard, who logged him for homosexual activity.
Lord Lincolnshire passed away on June 13, 1928, at his residence, Daws Hill House in High Wycombe. His death led to a split in his titles: while the baronies passed to his younger brother, Rupert, the marquessate, earldom, and viscountcy became extinct. His wife, Cecilia, Marchioness of Lincolnshire, survived him by six years, passing away in 1934 at the age of 78.
The Descendants of the Wynn-Carington Line
The five daughters of Lord Carrington and Cecilia Margaret Harbord married into several prominent noble families, ensuring the family's influence continued through various branches of the aristocracy.
- Lady Marjorie Cecilia (1880–1968) married Hon. Charles Wilson, who later became the 2nd Baron Nunburnholme.
- Lady Alexandra Augusta (1881–1955) married Colonel William Palmer.
- Lady Ruperta (1883–1963) married William Legge, Viscount Lewisham, who later became the 7th Earl of Dartmouth.
- Lady Judith Sydney Myee (1889–1928) married Walter Keppel, Viscount Bury, who later became the 9th Earl of Albemarle.
- Lady Victoria Alexandrina (1892–1966) married twice. Her first husband, Lt. Nigel Legge-Bourke, was killed in action during World War I. Her second husband was Major Hon. Edric Weld-Forester.
Notable Later Descendants
The lineage extended into subsequent generations of the peerage. Notable descendants include Stephen Wilson (6th Baron Nunburnholme), Patrick Chichester (8th Marquess of Donegall), and Rufus Keppel (10th Earl of Albemarle). Additionally, through Lady Victoria, the family is linked to Tiggy and Eleanor Legge-Bourke, the granddaughters of politician Sir Harry Legge-Bourke.
Key Facts
- Marriage: Lord Carrington married Cecilia Margaret Harbord in 1878.
- Children: The couple had one son (Viscount Wendover) and five daughters.
- WWI Loss: Viscount Wendover died in 1915 from wounds sustained at Ypres.
- Title Succession: Upon Lord Lincolnshire's death in 1928, the marquessate, earldom, and viscountcy became extinct.
- Residence: Lord Lincolnshire died at Daws Hill House, High Wycombe.
| Name | Lifespan | Notable Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Marjorie Cecilia | 1880–1968 | Charles Wilson, 2nd Baron Nunburnholme |
| Lady Alexandra Augusta | 1881–1955 | Col. William Palmer |
| Lady Ruperta | 1883–1963 | William Legge, 7th Earl of Dartmouth |
| Lady Judith Sydney Myee | 1889–1928 | Walter Keppel, 9th Earl of Albemarle |
| Lady Victoria Alexandrina | 1892–1966 | Lt. Nigel Legge-Bourke / Major Hon. Edric Weld-Forester |
| Viscount Wendover | 1895–1915 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the titles of Lord Lincolnshire?
When Lord Lincolnshire died in 1928, his baronies were passed to his younger brother, Rupert. However, his marquessate, earldom, and viscountcy became extinct.
How did Viscount Wendover die?
Viscount Wendover died on May 19, 1915, from complications following the amputation of an arm after being wounded during the fighting at Ypres in World War I.
Who were some of the notable descendants of the family?
Notable descendants include the 6th Baron Nunburnholme (Stephen Wilson), the 8th Marquess of Donegall (Patrick Chichester), and the 10th Earl of Albemarle (Rufus Keppel).
Who was Cecilia Margaret Harbord?
Cecilia Margaret Harbord (1856–1934) was the wife of Lord Carrington and the daughter of Charles Harbord, the 5th Baron Suffield, and Cecilia Annetta Baring.
Was there any controversy surrounding Lord Carrington's personal life?
Yes, Lord Carrington was logged by Scotland Yard detective Donald Swanson for homosexual activity, as evidenced by entries in Swanson's notebooks.