Charlie (Lord Charles Robert Carrington)

Charles Robert Wynn-Carrington (1843–1928), 1st Marquess of Lincolnshire, landowner and Liberal politician, was governor of New South Wales in the late 1880s. Born in London and educated at Eton and at Trinity College, Cambridge, Carrington entered Parliament, aged 22, in 1865 as member for the seat of High Wycombe. Aged 26, he succeeded his father to the peerage as 3rd Baron Carrington and inherited the family estates in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire. He later served as an aide-de-camp to the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) and as chief whip to the House of Lords; and in 1881 became a member of the Privy Council. He married Cecilia Margaret Harbord in 1878; they had five daughters and one son. He was appointed Governor of New South Wales in 1885 and arrived in Sydney in December of that year. During his five-year tenure, Carrington proved a popular, prudent and tactful governor who refrained from interfering in local political matters while still exerting a subtle influence. Carrington’s representations to state governors in Victoria and South Australia, for example, have been cited as vital steps towards the Federation Conference of 1890. Carrington’s term is also remembered for the social activity it generated, Government House becoming the venue for many ‘at homes’, receptions and celebrations during his governorship. On returning to Britain in 1890, Carrington was elected to the London City Council; and between 1892 and 1895 served as Lord Chamberlain in the governments of William Gladstone and Lord Roseberry. He was created Earl Carrington in 1895. Having served in cabinet positions in subsequent Liberal governments, Carrington retired from politics in 1912, becoming Marquess of Lincolnshire the same year. Carrington’s titles passed to his brother on his death in 1928, his only son having been killed in World War 1.

Purchased 2013