DESBOROUGH (William Henry Grenfell, K.G., 1855-1945, 1st and last Baron, Cross Channel Oarsman, Swimmer who swam Niagara Falls)

Autograph Letter Signed to Rowland Thomas Baring, (1877-1953, from 1917 2nd Earl of Cromer), saying "I had some correspondence with the President of Leander, and at the Committee Meeting ... on Friday Prince Henry" of Gloucester, 1900-1974, the present Queen's uncle, "was elected, with acclamation as an Hon. Life Member ... or as an ordinary member if he preferred it", and asking "what His Royal Highness would prefer ... and then a formal letter will be sent from the Club", 2 sides 8vo, Carlton Club, Pall Mall crossed out, Taplow Court, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, 6th April fold rather worn and with a short tear but without loss

'Willy' Grenfell was the outstanding sportsman and athlete of his generation. He swam twice across Niagara, stroked an eight across the channel, and climbed the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks in a record round trip. At one time he was serving on 115 committees besides his main task as chairman of the Thames Conservancy Board, a post he held for 32 years.
Lord Cromer was Assistant Private Secretary to George V, 1916-1920, and Lord Chamberlain 1922-1928.

Item Date:  1919

Stock No:  17058      £35

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