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Conyers Surtees

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Brigadier General Sir Herbert Conyers Surtees CB DSO MVO FSA JP (1858–1933) was a British military leader, politician and historical author.


Life

Plaque for Brigadier-General Herbert Conyers Surtees in Durham Cathedral

He was born in London on 13 January 1858, the only son of Col. Charles Freville Surtees (d.1906) of the 10th Hussars and his wife, Bertha Chauncey.[1] He was christened in St James' Church in Paddington. He was descended from Robert Surtees of Mainforth.[2] His father was MP for South Durham 1865 to 1868.[3]

He was educated at Harrow College then trained at Sandhurst Military College, before entering the British Army in 1876, joining the 49th Foot Regiment. In October 1877 hr transferred to the Coldstream Guards and remained with them for the rest of his career.

He worked initially as a "musket instructor". From 1884 to 1887 he was posted in Egypt. He was promoted to Captain in 1887 and Major in 1895.

Mainly serving with the Coldstream Guards he rose to the rank of Brigadier General. He saw action as a Lt Colonel in from 1899 to 1900 South Africa (during the Boer War). In 1899 he saw action at the Siege of Kimberley, Belmont, Enslin, the Modder River, Magersfontein, and the Orange Free State. In 1900 he saw action at Driefontein, the Vet River, the Zand River and Belfast. For these numerous actions he received the Queen's South African Medal with six clasps (indicating seven awards). He also received the DSO.[4]

In 1904 he was promoted to Brevet Colonel and served as a military attache in Constantinople and Athens.

He retired in 1912 but came out of retirement due to the First World War commanding the 52nd Infantry Brigade in France and Belgium.[5]

From 1918 to 1922 he was the Member of Parliament for Gateshead. He lived at Mainsforth Hall (inherited from his father) near Ferry Hill in County Durham.[6]

He was knighted by King George V in 1932. A notable freemason he was created Provincial Grand Master for Durham in October 1932 and Provisional Prior of the Knights Templar in November 1932.[7]

He died on 18 April 1933. A memorial plaque was erected in the cloister of Durham Cathedral to his memory.

Publications

  • The History of the Church of St Brandon in Brancepeth, County Durham (1919)
  • The History of the castle of Brancepeth, County Durhanm (1920)
  • The History of Newton Cap, County Durham (1922)
  • The History of New Shildon and East Thickley, County Durham (1923)
  • The History of the Parishes of St John's Chapel and Heathery Cleugh (1925)
  • Records of the Family of Surtees (1925)
  • The History of Durham Castle (1928)
  • The History of Brancepeth (1930)
  • The History of the Parishes of Thornley and Tow Law
  • The Heraldry of the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral (1930)
  • Memorial Inscriptions in Durham Cathedral (1932)

Artistic Recognition

His portrait is held by Darlington Library.[8]

Family

In 1887 he married Madeline Augusta Crabbe (d.1957), daughter of Edward Crabbe. They had two daughters.

Their daughter Dorothy Cynthia Surtees married Christopher Cecil Tower.[9]

References