Gavin Faringdon: Portrait of a Rebel Peer

The 2nd Lord Faringdon, Gavin Henderson, was a wealthy philanthropist who gave away most of his inheritance to good causes. However, his reputation was overshadowed by his youth, left-wing politics, and discreet personal life. This biography aims to set the record straight about a man who was born ahead of his time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 462 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Libri Publishing

When the Hon. Gavin Henderson was appointed as the 2nd Lord Faringdon in 1934, he ascended to the position of one of the wealthiest individuals in Britain. By the time of his passing in 1977, he had generously distributed the majority of his inheritance to causes he believed to be worthy. Nevertheless, his reputation as a philanthropist was somewhat overshadowed by his youthful escapades, such as the infamous incident of "setting the Thames on fire," his left-wing political affiliations, and the rumors surrounding his private life.

This biography is constructed upon the previously unpublished papers, diaries, and letters that have survived in his former residence, Buscot Park. Its primary objective is to rectify the misrepresentation of a man who was frequently misunderstood and whose numerous accomplishments indicate that he was born ahead of his time.

Born in 1891, Gavin Henderson was the eldest son of Sir William Henderson, a prominent businessman and politician. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in politics and social issues, and he was actively involved in the Labour Party during his teenage years. However, his political views and unconventional behavior often led to controversy and criticism.

One of the most notable events in Gavin Henderson's early life was his involvement in the 1919 London Dockers' Strike. The strike was a major industrial dispute that lasted for several months and resulted in significant damage to the city's infrastructure. Henderson, who was sympathetic to the workers' cause, joined the strike and was arrested for his involvement. He spent several months in prison before being released on bail.

Despite his controversial past, Gavin Henderson's political career continued to flourish. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1924 and served in various government positions, including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Transport. He was also a prominent figure in the Labour Party, and he played a key role in the formation of the British Trades Union Congress (TUC).

In addition to his political career, Gavin Henderson was also a philanthropist. He was particularly interested in education and social welfare, and he established several charities and organizations to support these causes. One of his most significant contributions was the establishment of the Henderson Foundation, which provided scholarships to students from low-income backgrounds.

Gavin Henderson's philanthropic activities were not without controversy, however. Some critics accused him of using his wealth to influence political outcomes and of supporting causes that were not necessarily in the best interests of society. There were also rumors that he had engaged in secretive personal relationships with various women, which further tarnished his reputation.

Despite these criticisms, Gavin Henderson remained committed to his philanthropic work. He continued to donate significant amounts of his wealth to various causes, and he remained a prominent figure in the social and political landscape of Britain. He passed away in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and social activism.

In conclusion, Gavin Henderson was a complex and multifaceted individual who was both admired and criticized for his political views, philanthropic activities, and personal life. His achievements in politics and social welfare, as well as his commitment to education and social welfare, suggest that he was born ahead of his time. Despite the controversies that surrounded him, his legacy continues to inspire and influence individuals and organizations around the world.

In 1934, Gavin Henderson was appointed as the 2nd Lord Faringdon, a title that came with considerable wealth and prestige. However, his reputation as a philanthropist was overshadowed by his free-spirited events in his youth, his left-wing politics, and rumors about his discreet personal life.

Born in 1891, Gavin Henderson was the eldest son of Sir William Henderson, a prominent businessman and politician. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in politics and social issues, and he was actively involved in the Labour Party during his teenage years. However, his political views and unconventional behavior often led to controversy and criticism.

One of the most notable events in Gavin Henderson's early life was his involvement in the 1919 London Dockers' Strike. The strike was a major industrial dispute that lasted for several months and resulted in significant damage to the city's infrastructure. Henderson, who was sympathetic to the workers' cause, joined the strike and was arrested for his involvement. He spent several months in prison before being released on bail.

Despite his controversial past, Gavin Henderson's political career continued to flourish. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1924 and served in various government positions, including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Transport. He was also a prominent figure in the Labour Party, and he played a key role in the formation of the British Trades Union Congress (TUC).

In addition to his political career, Gavin Henderson was also a philanthropist. He was particularly interested in education and social welfare, and he established several charities and organizations to support these causes. One of his most significant contributions was the establishment of the Henderson Foundation, which provided scholarships to students from low-income backgrounds.

Gavin Henderson's philanthropic activities were not without controversy, however. Some critics accused him of using his wealth to influence political outcomes and of supporting causes that were not necessarily in the best interests of society. There were also rumors that he had engaged in secretive personal relationships with various women, which further tarnished his reputation.

Despite these criticisms, Gavin Henderson remained committed to his philanthropic work. He continued to donate significant amounts of his wealth to various causes, and he remained a prominent figure in the social and political landscape of Britain. He passed away in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and social activism.

In conclusion, Gavin Henderson was a complex and multifaceted individual who was both admired and criticized for his political views, philanthropic activities, and personal life. His achievements in politics and social welfare, as well as his commitment to education and social welfare, suggest that he was born ahead of his time. Despite the controversies that surrounded him, his legacy continues to inspire and influence individuals and organizations around the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911450450