Catalogue description The Papers of Patrick George Buchan-Hepburn, 1st Baron Hailes of Prestonkirk, PC, GBE, CH 1901-1974

This record is held by Cambridge University: Churchill Archives Centre

Details of HAIS
Reference: HAIS
Title: The Papers of Patrick George Buchan-Hepburn, 1st Baron Hailes of Prestonkirk, PC, GBE, CH 1901-1974
Description:

Introduction.

 

Curriculum Vitae.

 

Section 1: Constituency Papers.

 

Section 2: Whip's Office and Conservative Policy.

 

Section 3: Speeches.

 

Section 4: Correspondence.

 

Section 5: Federation of the West Indies: General.

 

Section 6: Federation of the West Indies: Tours of the Islands by Governor-General.

 

Section 7: Federation of the West Indies: the Governor-General's Visitors.

 

Section 8: Miscellaneous.

 

The bulk of the collection consists of the papers of Lord Hailes as Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Federation of the West Indies, 1958-1962, showing, in fascinating detail, the working out of this experiment in federation. There are numerous papers relating to Lord Hailes' long tenure of office as Assistant, Deputy Chief, and finally Chief, Whip and these include many letters from his fellow Conservatives showing the high esteem in which they held him.

 

Amongst the more personal correspondence are letters from Sir Winston Churchill whom Hailes served for a time as private secretary before he entered Parliament and then, later, with whom Hailes had a close relationship as Chief Whip during Churchill's last period as Prime Minister.

 

Lord Hailes' work as Member of Parliament is reflected in constituency correspondence and papers concerned with East Toxteth (Liverpool) and Beckenham whose M.P. he was from 1931 to 1950 and from 1950 to 1957 respectively.

 

Amongst the miscellaneous items at the end of the collection are some interesting papers and letters relating to the situation in Germany in the years leading up to the Second World War including Brendan Bracken's account of his discussion with Von Ribbentrop on international affairs in July 1939.
Date: 1928-1973
Held by: Cambridge University: Churchill Archives Centre, not available at The National Archives
Language: English
Creator:

Hepburn, Patrick George Thomas Buchan-, 1901-1974, 1st Baron Hailes of Prestonkirk, politician.
Physical description: 50 boxes
Access conditions:

The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge. Individual closures of files are indicated in the catalogue. Churchill Archives Centre is open from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. A prior appointment and two forms of identification are required.
Immediate source of acquisition:

Patrick George Buchan-Hepburn, 1st Baron Hailes of Prestonkirk in East Lothian expressed a wish, only a few months before his death in 1974, that his papers should come to Churchill College Archives Centre. His widow, Lady Hailes, kindly gave the papers to the College in December 1978.
Subjects:
  • Conservative and Unionist Party
  • West Indies
  • Politics
  • Colonial countries
  • Politicians
Administrative / biographical background:

Patrick George Buchan-Hepburn, 1st Baron Hailes of Prestonkirk

 

2 Apr 1901: Born, 3rd son of Sir Archibald Buchan-Hepburn 4th Bart. of Smeaton-Hepburn, East Lothian. Educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge.

 

1926-1927: Honorary Attaché, Constantinople.

 

1929: Conservative candidate for Wolverhampton East (unsuccessful).

 

1930-1931: Member of London County Council (North Kensington).

 

1931-1939: Parliamentary Private Secretary to Rt. Hon. Oliver Stanley at, respectively, Home Office, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Labour, Board of Education and Board of Trade.

 

1931-1950: Conservative M.P. for East Toxteth (Liverpool).

 

1939: Assistant Government Whip. Junior Lord of the Treasury.

 

1940-1943: Served in Royal Artillery in 11th (City of London Yeomanry) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment and on the Staff (Brigade Major).

 

1944: Junior Lord of the Treasury.

 

1945: Conservative Deputy Chief Whip. Married Diana, daughter of Brigadier-General Hon. Charles Lambton and widow of Major W. Hedworth Williamson.

 

1948-1951: Opposition Chief Whip.

 

1951-1955: Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Government Chief Whip.

 

1955-1957: Minister of Works.

 

1957: G.B.E.

 

1958-1962: Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Federation of the West Indies.

 

1962: C.H.

 

1963: Chairman of the Historic Buildings Council for England.

 

1974: Died.
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