.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk (1847-1917), Courtier, was educated at the Oratory School, Edgbaston, Birmingham and afterwards, at the age of seventeen, was sent abroad to travel. Norfolk devoted most of his career to his charitable work for the Roman Catholic Church in England and Ireland. He was active in the House of Lords, was the first Mayor of Westminster in 1899, and donated parks and recreational grounds worth £150,000 to the city of Sheffield when he was its first Lord Mayor in 1896. He enjoyed close relations with the Vatican and was intensely interested in public ceremonials. He arranged the funerals of both Mr. Gladstone and Queen Victoria and the Coronation ceremonies for Edward VII and George V. Norfolk was known to have strong opinions and to be fastidious about detail, which was reflected in his passion for the Gothic style of architecture. He was married twice and died in 1917.
He is not a genius, and will never be a leader of men; but he is thoroughly honest and good, generous to the poor.... he conscientiously works for several hours every day in answering the charitable appeals to which he is condemned as one of the richest men in the country.... Much liked by all who know him.
Vanity Fair, 'Statesmen', No. 374, 1881.
He is not a genius, and will never be a leader of men; but he is thoroughly honest and good, generous to the poor.... he conscientiously works for several hours every day in answering the charitable appeals to which he is condemned as one of the richest men in the country.... Much liked by all who know him.
Vanity Fair, 'Statesmen', No. 374, 1881.