Grenfell , William Henry , 1855-1945 , Baron Desborough , sportsman and politician x Desborough , Baron

William Henry Grenfell was born in London in 1855. He was educated at Harrow School and Balliol College, Oxford. He represented the university at several sports, including two appearances in the university boat race, and continued to participate in rowing, fencing, mountaineering, hunting and other sports for many years, including appearances at national level. In later life he was president of several sporting organizations, including the Amateur Athletic Association. Grenfell also served at various times as MP for Salisbury, for Hereford and for Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, before being created Baron Desborough in 1905. He also held a variety of public offices. His wife, Ethel, was a renowned society hostess. Lord Desborough's three sons (including the war poet Julian Grenfell) all having predeceased him, the barony became extinct on his death.