Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902), described as a Colossus bestriding the affairs of Southern Africa, was one of the most remarkable figures in British colonial history. The fourth son of the then vicar of Bishops Stortford, he went out to Africa when still a young man. In due course he became a firm friend of General Gordon who greatly furthered his career. Entering politics at an early age, he was a member of the Executive Council of Cape Colony by 1884, and shortly thereafter, Treasurer General. He was the originator of the Cape to Cairo scheme. Later he was Deputy Commissioner of Bechorroland; Managing Director of the British South African Co.; Chairman and Director of De Beers Mines, and Premier of Cape Colony, 1890-1896. His great ambition was the Federal Union of South Africa but in 1896, following his association with Dr. Jameson who led the disastrous raid against the Boers near Krugersdorp in 1895, he resigned the premiership and the idea foundered. He later devoted much time and energy to the development of the portion of Africa that was to bear his name, Rhodesia. He died in 1902 and was buried in the Matopo Hills