Quick Facts
Biography
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir George Lindsay Holford KCVO CIE CBE (1860–1926) was a British Army officer and courtier. The son of Robert Stayner Holford, he inherited his father's considerable fortune, which included the two properties of Westonbirt House and Dorchester House. He continued his father's work in developing the Westonbirt Arboretum, which still exists today and is open to the public.
Early life
George was the only son of Mary Ann Holford (née Lindsay) and Robert Stayner Holford. He had three elder sisters, Margaret, Evelyn and Alice. In 1873 George went to Eton and was there for four years. At the age of 20 in 1880 George obtained a commission with the 1st Life Guards where he remained for almost 30 years. During this time he was closely associated with royalty and court life. From 1888 to 1892 he was Equerry to Prince Albert, Duke of Clarence. When the Duke died in 1992 an official Memoir was published in his honour and George's journal was used to outline the Prince's activities when he was in India. An extract from the journal paints a colourful picture of his life in India with Prince Albert.
From 1892 George was Equerry to Prince Edward. Soon after the Boer War began in 1899, George decided to temporarily relinquish his post of Equerry and rejoin his regiment the 1st Life Guards who were at the front in South Africa. George's departure is mentioned in a publication of the time and he is praised for his decision. It said "it certainly speaks much for the patriotic spirit which is so rife in the country at the present time, when men like Captain Holford volunteer for active service." The "New York Times" also made similar comments saying "Among the latest distinguished men going to South Africa is Captain Holford who is one of the closest friednds of the Prince of Wales and his equerry. The Captain sails 6 January to join his regiment, the First Life Guards."
When King Edward died in 1910, Holford was Equerry-in-Waiting to Queen Alexandra and was Extra Equerry to King George. The photograph of the Royal Party of Edward and Alexandra shows George (far left) in uniform.
Interests
When Robert Holford died in 1892 George inherited Westonbirt House and Aboretum. He also inherited Dorchester House in London and the art and book collection that were housed within it. He did not have his father's interest in art and books but he did have a passion for gardens and orchids so he devoted much of his time to his property at Westonbirt.
The Times made the following comment about him.
"Country Life" magazine wrote extensive articles about Westonbirt Gardens and Arboretum in 1905 and again in 1907 when George was the owner of the estate. They outlined in detail the beauty of the gardens and made the comment.
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| Pergola in the garden of Westonbirt House 1905 | The Italian Garden at Westonbirt House, 1905 | The pool garden at Westonbirt House 1907 |
Marriage and family
Although he was always considered an eligible bachelor, Holford did not marry until late in life and had no children. In 1912 he married the recently widowed Susannah Menzies. The wedding was held in the Chapel Royal, St James. She was 48 and he 52 years old. George V, Queen Mary, Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria were present. Although they had no children, it seems that George regarded her three adult sons with affection. They frequently stayed at Westonbirt and Stewart Menzies was allowed to use Dorchester House as his London residence. He also left them some money in his will.
In 1926 George Holford died having suffered for some time with emphysema. As he did not have any heirs his property passed to his blood relatives in accordance with the will of his father Robert Stayner Holford. The main part of the estate went to George's nephew the 4th Earl of Morley.