Nocton Hall - Revelations of an Imp - Chapter 12

George Frederick Samuel Robinson - The First Marquis of Ripon 1877 - 1909

The Fact that George was born at No. 10 Downing Street and conceived at No. 11, made his entry into history unique. From his birth, Lord Ripon lived during the time of his country's greatest influence on the outside world. The massive wealth of the nation coupled to the Empire, supported her leading position in the world and made Victorian Britain the most powerful nation on earth. Our Prime Ministers of this period are now a legend. Robert Peel, Lord John Russell, Lord Derby, Lord Aberdeen, Palmerston, Disraeli, Gladstone, and Salisbury. The nation rested on the ability of these leaders who, in turn, were supported by quiet men of equal stature. Amongst these gentlemen, Lord Ripon stood out head and shoulders above the rest. In contrast to his father, he supported the Liberal cause and towards the close of his political career, was party leader in the House of Lords.

His parents favoured a private education rather than the customary method of public school, followed by university. When 22, he made his first adventure in public life on an abortive mission with Sir Henry Ellis to Brussels to "secure peace between Austria and Piedmont. Deep in his heart, like so many young people, he felt the injustice and inequality of society. His father realised his son's liberal thinking, but rather than force any opinion too strongly, he allowed George to develop his deeper thoughts on his own and make up his own mind which direction he would take in the political world.

When his father became Earl of Ripon, he acquired the courtesy title of Viscount Goderich, and at the age of 24, married Henrietta Vyner, daughter of Sir Henry Vyner of Gautby Hall. His father-in-law's estates almost came to the banks of the River Witham, opposite the Nocton Fen and was, in size, considerably larger than the Nocton estate but the Earl and Countess also owned land at Welbourn including the Manor, which when added to Nocton made the property score equal! In love, the rivalry of the east and west banks of the Witham could not be forgotten, and by slipping the golden ring on a maiden's finger to add a few thousand acres on the east bank to your estate, showed the highest diplomacy and wisdom, possessing all the ingredients for political success.

George Goderich, with a family foundation firmly laid in the political world, could look at the records of his father and grandfather. The latter had been Foreign Secretary in 1782 and had negotiated peace to terminate the American War of Independence. Lord Goderich fought his first Parliamentary seat in July 1852, standing as a Liberal Member for Hull, but he was subsequently unseated on petition of grounds of treaty. The Liberal Committee, supporting his fight had indulged in unorthodox and unacceptable encouragement to voters. A bad start in his political life having to cross the threshold of the House. Undaunted, Goderich fought and won a by-election for the Liberals at Huddersfield the following April. At the early age of 26, his political career was underway. In 1857, he was returned without opposition for the West Riding. On his father's death in January 1859, he became the second Earl of Ripon and moved to the House of Lords, concluding six years in the commons. In November of the same year, on his uncle's death, he became the Earl De Grey of Wrest and inherited further estates left to him by the De Grey inheritance. These included Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire and further estates in Bedfordshire.

Earl Granville, in a letter to Gladstone, described Lord Ripon as 'a very persistent man with wealth' - what wealth!

In the second Palmerston administration, the Liberals recognised his ability and in June 1859, Goderich became Under Secretary for War. In 1861 he held a similar post in the Indian Office and in April 1863 he became Secretary of State in the War Office and was admitted to the Privy Council. In 1866, after Palmerston's death, he succeeded Sir Charles Wood, later Lord Halifax, at the India Office. Ripon's career was now gathering speed. He was recognised by the leaders of his party in 1868 when he became Lord President of the Council and in the following year, Knight of the Garter - the supreme accolade for chivalry. His companions in the Upper House regarded him as a 'trouble shooter' par extraordinaire. Both charm and personality endeared him to both Whig and Tory and his honesty of purpose always won friendship.

In 1871 a great test was made on his ability to solve a delicate and controversial situation in America. In the United States Civil War, a vessel named the Alabama and other ships had sailed from British ports, not necessarily in the United Kingdom, but also from our Colonial possessions, to aid the eleven states forming the Southern Confederacy against the Federal North. Repairs had also been undertaken in British controlled harbours to vessels flying the Confederate Flag. The United States Government claimed compensation. The two countries agreed to a joint high commission for the settlement of American claims against our country. Lord Ripon was appointed Chairman, supported by Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir Edward Thornton, the British Minister at Washington, Sir John Alexander Macdonald representing Canada, and Professor Montague Bernard (the referee to blow the whistle if things got out of hand).

The negotiations concluded in a satisfactory treaty which referred the American claim to an International Tribunal. Lord Ripon declined to settle indirect losses and after a subsequent controversy, an agreed payment of £3,000,000 was made by our government. This not only restored good relations but gave the United States confidence in British ethics.

In the years to come, Nocton was to maintain the special relationship with America founded by the Earl of Grantham and so well endorsed by Lord Ripon who received the highest praise for his friendly manner 'excellent sense, tact and temper' (Northcote's word). Gladstone in recognition and gratitude for Lord Ripon's services bestowed on him a Marquisate for his accomplishments. This honour was officially awarded on 23rd June 1871. On 19th March 1873, he became Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding but in August the same year, the Marquis surprised the world by resigning his Cabinet office on the ground of 'urgent private affairs'. Up to this time he had been a staunch Free Mason and on 23rd April, 1870 had become Grand Master of England. This position he resigned without explanation in August 1874, and on the 7th September he was received into the Roman Catholic Church at the Brompton Oratory.

From 1874 Ripon lived much in retirement and it was during this time that he established a close friendship with George Hodgson, an industrialist and banker from the West Riding, and like himself, a determined Liberal and believer in free trade. Hodgson had in his life, built up a considerable fortune. When the Yorkshire Banking Company ran into difficulty, it was rumoured that he injected sufficient funds to save the bank, and the money of the small investors, who had placed their savings into what so many Yorkshire people felt was a safe stronghold.

These two people had much in common, but Hodgson's estate in the South of France gave an opportunity for escape and relaxation from the heavy responsibilities and stresses of both political and commercial life. The Marquis and his son Oliver, enjoyed the warm climate, especially in winter when Oliver was far from well. Their stays on the estate near Cannes restored their physical well being in the luxury of this comfortable chateau. Lord Ripon had an understanding ear in his friend to whom he could confide his worries and secret thought and feelings.

On Gladstone's return to power in 1880, the Marquis returned to his public career . In April, he was appointed Viceroy of India on the resignation of Lord Lytton and took office at the summer residence in Simla on 8th June 1880. A critical situation in Afghanistan awaited him. The Government's policy under Lytton, was withdrawal from this turbulent country between India and Russia. General Roberts had the responsibility of making smooth evacuation of the British Forces, but Abdur Rahman had other ideas. Sir Donald Stewart had recognised Wale Sheer Ali as Governor of Kandahar, an unwise decision, and now with his forces expected to join up with Roberts to effect the total withdrawal of the British presence. Horse trading was in full swing but undeterred, Lord Ripon negotiated with Abdur Rahman, who had been keeping 'the pot on the boil' to gain all the advantages of power for himself. With the Viceroy's agreement, he was proclaimed Amir of Kabul on 27th July 1880 but in return for our support, Lord Ripon informed him bluntly that he could have no political relations with any foreign power except the British, but any aggression facing his state would be met the full military support of the British Government. When these plans had been finalised, Ayub Khan, Sher Ali's younger son, in command of Herat, attacked and routed General Burrows in Sir Donald Stewart's absence at Maiwand on 27th July 1880.

Lord Ripon was not amused and ordered Roberts from Kabul to Kandahar. Sher Ali, with Afghan followers, was defeated and after our subsequent withdrawal from Kandahar, this area was united with Kabul under the Amir, giving a stable situation in Afghanistan for the next forty years.

In the light of modern developments in Afghanistan, historians may feel disposed to give Lord Ripon's involvement in this country, higher praise. He succeeded in a few weeks to establish peace to a nation that had been in internal and external turmoil. Several expeditions of British Army Units had failed to quieten the independent tribes and secure durable and lasting settlement with these aggressive and tough warriors on the northern frontier. After a short time in office, the Viceroy had, in effect, won a diplomatic battle equal to the greatest military or political achievement of this country's history.

In assessing Lord Ripon's skill, it is necessary to remember the size of the country. 400 miles wide and 800 miles long. Its mountainous areas are enormous and in 1880, there were no aeroplanes or mechanized transport. Let us not forget the courage of General Roberts who, at a critical time, helped to achieve Lord Ripon's subtle diplomacy.

Lord Curzon signed a form of treaty on 21st March 1905 with Abdur Rahman's son and successors in continuation of the agreement with Lord Ripon, maintaining peace in the country north of the Indian border.

Throughout Ripon's administration in India, he did his best to encourage and develop self government. The educated classes welcomed a reform, but the rural areas were impossible to organise with flexible attitude, and had to remain under the guidance of officials, both British and Indian.

A Viceroy's term of office, which was limited to four years, made alterations to the legal system difficult, but within the limits of Lord Ripon's wishes, steps were taken to give the Indians greater authority over their own affairs, which was not always popular with the resident British population of planters and traders.

On Lord Ripon's recall in December 1884, he left India, having prepared the ground for a reception party in honour of the Amir of Afghanistan at Rawalpindi in April the following year, to be hosted by his successor, Lord Dufferin.

The high point of his time as Viceroy must be his success in Afghanistan. Lord Ripon was a judge of character and he saw in Abdur Rahman, a tough leader who was strong enough to unite his country. The Viceroy's determined action proved worthwhile and saved many lives, both in the British and Afghanistan forces, as well as clearing up a prolonged war which had involved so many British units.

It is surprising history has not acclaimed the Viceroy's success and achievement. Lord Ripon respected human life of all colours and denominations, and he gave peace where none had existed for so long, north of the Indian border.

Amongst those who served on his staff during his time in office, as his aide-de-camp, Major Gordon, later General Gordon of Khartoum, but this famous soldier was posted home shortly after Lord Ripon's arrival in India.

It is impossible to brush aside Lord Ripon's political life and isolate this side of his career from Nocton's history. His early life on his parents' estate made him realise his good fortune. Their influence on how to look after tenants and staff made a deep impression. As he grew up, he learnt that the only way people would respond to leadership, was by setting the example, through one's own self discipline. Personal contact with everyone at Nocton, broke down resentment when disagreements arose, and brought about a warm friendship, which has remained with so many Nocton and Dunston families.

On the termination of the Crimean War in 1855, Florence Nightingale continued to press Sidney Herbert and gain his support as War Secretary, for a Military Hospital. Florence had strong backing from Earl De Grey. These two clamoured for sanitary improvements and argued the advantage of military hygiene under the guidance of medical officers, to include all fields covering a soldier's welfare. Barracks, living accommodation and first aid stations did not escape criticism. They convinced the 'Establishment' their proposals must be adopted if the troops were to be kept fit and free from disease and illness, and be in readiness for military service.

The first Military Hospital at Woolwich, received Sidney Herbert's blessing and the construction went ahead, but Lord Herbert died before the hospital had been completed.

The Duke of Cambridge, Commander in Chief of the Army, had different ideas and was opposed to any form of military welfare and totally against Florence Nightingale's hygienic principles. The Duke declared his position and took steps to prevent the completion of the Woolwich development. Never tangle with a woman if you don't want to be scratched! Florence sought Earl De Grey's support. Lord Ripon politely reminded the Duke that the construction of the Army Hospital had been passed by and Act of Parliament. The building was then completed without further interference and the Duke decided Florence was too forceful to be faced in a frontal attack even though he remained convinced she was a 'crank and trouble maker'.

Our 19th century wonder nurse, knew Earl De Grey was a useful ally, and as time passed, their friendship strengthened to their mutual advantage. Nothing was allowed to stand in the way when Florence Nightingale decided on any move to improve her soldiers' welfare. She had the physical strength and dedication for her task. De Grey advised his Parliamentary friends that they should concede to her wishes, otherwise they would be in for sleepless nights. When she came over from Lea Hurst, her home near Matlock, to Nocton Hall, the two reformers subtle ways to hasten improvements, and a better way of life for the Victorian soldier.

After Lord Ripon went to India as Viceroy, he continued to write to Florence for advice on medical matters. Letters flowed between India and England, but to fulfil their dreams of hygienic conditions throughout India, was a task beyond their power.

Florence Nightingale's estates in Derbyshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire provided an income to make her completely independent and free from any financial worry, other than the running of her estates successfully. She could concentrate on her nursing ambitions and as these two famous individuals exchanged ideas, Lord Ripon would advise her on estate problems and she in return could suggest further reforms to improve the medical and nursing service. When they walked around the grounds of Nocton Hall discussing problems of the time, nothing would have given them greater satisfaction, than knowing that in the years ahead, this stately home and park would be a military hospital through which thousands of medical patients would pass each year.

On the domestic front and within the bounds of the Nocton estate, Lord Ripon did not neglect the welfare of his own people. During his 22 years at the Hall, he furthered his mother's ambitions. In October 1869, he established himself and those who should follow, as patrons of the Church living, further adding to the illustrious names of earlier times which included Queen Elizabeth I. Through his inheritance, he had held the patronage of the Church at Bennington by Boston since the time of Judge Ellys. This he now legally exchanged for Nocton and Dunston.

In the same year, the old school, consisting of two semi-detached cottages were removed and replaced by the existing school in its present setting, and for a further 20 years, financed all the educational costs for the village.

In 1870, to the east of the new school and opposite the old Georgian vicarage was a dilapidated old house and a set of broken down barns known as Scarcliffe Farm. Lord Ripon had this eyesore removed as well as the outer park wall to give an enlarged village green and play area for the school children.

In 1873, on his son Oliver's 21st birthday, a chestnut tree was planted on the village green to celebrate the young Earl's coming of age. In the years ahead, this was a favourite sitting out place for Mr. Bratt to instruct his pupils in the soft shade from the high branches. His natural history classes had a sense of adventure and were a thrill for the young children taking their first lessons on butterflies and caterpillars. An escape from the classroom on a hot day was an electrifying moment and with live insects to study, the children realised country life was a terrific thrill.

In 1874, after the Marquis had become a Roman Catholic, he passed his authority for the selection of vicar to his son Oliver, the Earl De Grey. This family adjustment had no effect on Nocton and made no difference to relationships with those on the estate,

Lord Ripon was anxious to have a faster way of travelling and urged George Hodgson, as Chairman of the Yorkshire Banking Company, to use his influence on a fellow Director, George Leeman, Member of Parliament for York and Chairman of the North Eastern Railway Company, to build a railway line south from Lincoln to Sleaford, which would connect Nocton to the outside world.

On 1st August 1882, the line opened to traffic and Nocton and Dunston shared a station. Lord Ripon made an agreement with the Great Eastern Railway Company that all passenger services could be halted at Nocton Station to allow people to board the express trains. This privilege remained during the time of our family at the Hall and my father found it most convenient. His only comment was that he felt obliged to buy a first class ticket! When the railway track advanced from the north and south to complete the necessary link up, Nocton village accommodated over 600 navvies, who manfully dug out the cuttings of limestone and shale. A huge coral, six feet in diameter, was removed from near the bridge close to Hall Lodge gate. This work illustrated the severe manual hardship endured by rugged gentlemen, largely from Ireland. Today, with modern equipment, such human struggle and back breaking endeavour is no longer necessary as mechanical tools fulfil the same purpose. In August 1888, Nocton Station turned from a quiet country stop and for a few hours resembled a Twickenham Halt on Rugby International Day. The Great Eastern engines, immaculate in their blue livery, brought in train after train carrying passengers from all over Lincolnshire. The Station Master, supported by his eleven porters, could not understand why so many people were coming for a political meeting. As each train arrived, ladies and gentlemen spilled out of the compartments. Few men in political life, had the ability to draw a crowd. When the Lincolnshire Liberal Executive asked Lord Ripon for his permission to hold a demonstration at his his home, he readily agreed, expecting a turnout of perhaps two or three hundred enthusiastic supporters. Over 10,000 arrived and made their way to the west lawn to pay tribute, and by the shattering roar, on the conclusion of Lord Ripon's speech, no one was left in doubt of the respect held for the Marquis.

Later the following year, rumour confirmed that Lord Ripon had sold the Nocton estate to George Hodgson. The villagers and tenants were shattered by the news. A feeling of real security existed in their relationship with the Marquis, and to lose an individual who had served them all with so much consideration, was an unexpected blow.

'Who was George Hodgson?' 'A Yorkshire lad with Mills at Thornton near Bradford' was the only information coming from the Hall. The village had no public house but the two inns nearby, one in Dunston and the other at the Wasps' Nest, were crowded the following night. The beer flowed, conversation gathered both speed and speculation, and before closing, a concentration of dense alcoholic fumes mixed with tobacco smoke, expanded human imagination and convinced the landlords when they called 'time', this was indeed the end of time. What a moment for self analysis. All felt guilty that in some way they must have let their great landlord down. The head gamekeeper acquitted his conscience. A total of over 10,000 head of game had fallen to the guns during the shooting season. The two greatest sporting shots in history had maintained their high averages and at every shoot, the birds had flown high and strong on the wing.

The farmers went to bed and could not sleep or acquit their guilty feelings. Should they have paid a higher rent? No one felt happy. Why, oh, why? Nocton, since the beginning of time, had been owned by a titled gentleman. Their new boss - no. The very thought of a plain Hodge could not be accepted. The very word 'Nocton' when quietly mentioned in the County, created thoughts of something far above the gold standard. An address completed with the magic word, meant instant credit. Nocton was the finest agricultural estate in England. Misery prevailed over fen, park and heath. The Hall and village had to await the arrival of an unwanted owner.

Lord Ripon gave no explanation why he had decided to part with his family home other than he felt the financial strain of maintaining the estate was beyond his resources. He was determined that the state of perfection which prevailed in the park and family areas should continue. The income from the tenants and rural industry was not sufficient and would require subsidies which were beyond his reach. The estates he had inherited in Yorkshire needed attention and demanded further capital. The overall assessment made it prudent to contract, and of all his estates, the final decision was made to sell Nocton.

The Marquis, knowing that all his homes, including the London residence in Carlton Terrace, were all furnished, left the contents of Nocton Hall for the new 'Lord of the Manor' and only removed his personal belongings including his guns, so frequently in use on the estate during the shooting season.

Trusts were created for a number of the retired staff living in the villages and pensions allotted to the senior servants who had served the Ripon family so faithfully.

Rather than detail Lord Ripon's activities after leaving Nocton, it is necessary to summarise his successes during his last 20 years in public life.

In 1892, he administered the Colonial Office under Gladstone and continued in this post from 1894 with Lord Roseberry. In 1898, he received the Freedom of the City of Dublin. In the formation of Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman's ministry in 1905, he accepted the office of Leader of the House of Lords, following Lord Spencer who had resigned for health reasons, and in this position, stepped in to give the Prime Minister's speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet which, by tradition, was given by the Premier, but was on this occasion in mourning.

At the end of his career in 1908, the Eighty Club honoured the Marquis with a lunch at the Savoy, where this great gentleman delivered his last public speech in the service of his country.
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