EARLDOM OF

CARNARVON  . The earldom of Carnarvon was created in 1628 for Robert Dormer, Baron Dormer of Wyng (c . 1610-1643), who was killed at the first battle of Newbury whilst fighting for Charles I., and it became extinct on the death of his son Charles, the 2nd earl, in 1709 . From 1714 to 1789 it was held by the family of Brydges, dukes of Chandos and marquesses of Carnarvon, and in 1793 Henry Herbert, Baron Dorchester (1741-181I), was created earl of Carnarvon . His great-grandson, HENRY HOWARD MOLYNEUX HERBERT, 4th earl of Carnarvon (1831-1890), was born on the 24th of June 1831 . He succeeded to the title in 1849, on the death of his father, Henry John George, the 3rd earl (180o-1849) . Soon after taking his degree at Oxford he began to play a prominent part in the deliberations of the House of Lords . In 1858 he was under secretary for the colonies, and in 1866 secretary of state . In this capacity he introduced in 1867 the bill for the federation of the British North American provinces which set so many political problems at rest; but he had not the privilege of passing it, having, before the measure became law, resigned, owing to his distaste for Disraeli's Reform Bill . Resuming office in 1874, he endeavoured to confer a similar boon on South Africa, but the times were not ripe . In 1878 he again resigned, out of opposition to Lord Beaconsfield's policy on the Eastern question; but on his party's return to power in 1885 he became lord-lieutenant of Ireland . His short period of office, memorable for a conflict on a question of personal veracity between himself and Mr Parnell as to his negotiations with the latter in respect of Home Rule, was terminated by another premature resignation .

He never returned to office, and died on the 29th of June 1890 . As a statesman his career was marred by extreme sensitiveness; but he was beloved as a

man of worth and admired as a man of culture . He was high steward of the university of Oxford, and president of the Society of Antiquaries . The 4th earl was succeeded by his son, George Edward Stanhope Molyneux (b . 1866) .