Henry Herbert, 17th Earl Of Pembroke: Biography & Legacy
Could a life lived amongst the gilded halls of aristocracy truly encompass the soul of a Bohemian artist? Henry George Charles Alexander Herbert, the 17th Earl of Pembroke, managed precisely that: a life interwoven with the threads of privilege, artistic expression, and the whispers of historical intrigue.
From a bromide print captured by the lens of Cecil Beaton in August 1969, a portrait emerges. The image, a study in contrasts, offers a glimpse into the life of a man destined for both the ceremonial duties of an Earl and the creative freedoms of a filmmaker. This photograph, measuring 6 5/8 inches by 9 3/8 inches (167 mm x 238 mm), was later accepted in lieu of tax by the British government and allocated to a gallery in 1991, ensuring his legacy endured beyond his lifetime.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry George Charles Alexander Herbert |
| Titles | 17th Earl of Pembroke, 14th Earl of Montgomery, Baron Herbert of Cardiff, Baron Herbert of Shurland, Baron Herbert of Lea (UK 1861) |
| Born | May 19, 1939 |
| Died | October 2003 (age 64) |
| Parents | Sidney Herbert, 16th Earl of Pembroke and Mary Dorothea Hope |
| Spouses | Claire Rose Pelly |
| Children | William Alexander Sidney Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke and others |
| Education | Christ Church, Oxford |
| Profession | British Landowner, Film Director, Producer |
| Inherited | Wilton House and its estate in 1969 |
| Known For | Balancing aristocratic duties with creative pursuits, overseeing the restoration of Wilton House, and rumored connection to Diana, Princess of Wales. |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
The titles themselves 17th Earl of Pembroke (dating back to 1551), 14th Earl of Montgomery (1605), Baron Herbert of Cardiff (1551), Baron Herbert of Shurland (1605), and Baron Herbert of Lea (UK 1861) speak to a lineage steeped in centuries of English history. His parents, Sidney Herbert, the 16th Earl of Pembroke (born 1906, died 1969), and Mary Dorothea Hope, set the stage for his life, one where tradition and expectation were interwoven into the very fabric of his existence.
Henry Herbert, the 17th Earl, was born on May 19, 1939. He succeeded to the titles in 1969 following the death of his father, the 16th Earl. He was a man of diverse interests. He inherited Wilton House, a magnificent stately home, and its vast estate. Inheriting Wilton House was not merely a matter of privilege; it was a call to stewardship, a responsibility to preserve a piece of history. He accepted this call, overseeing its restoration and development, ensuring its legacy continued for generations.
However, the 17th Earl was not content with simply fulfilling his aristocratic duties. He was also a man of creative passions, finding expression in filmmaking. Known in his occasional filmmaking career simply as "Henry Herbert," he directed and produced documentaries and films, demonstrating a commitment to storytelling and artistic expression that set him apart from many of his peers. This dual existence, balancing the expectations of his birthright with the freedom of creative pursuit, defined his unique character.
His life, however, was also touched by the shadows of rumor and speculation. Whispers of a relationship with Diana, Princess of Wales, added another layer of intrigue to his story. While the details remain shrouded in mystery, the allegations, coupled with a public fascination with the Royal Family, ensured that his name would be linked to one of the most captivating figures of the late 20th century. The speculation suggested an affair occurred between the births of Princes William and Harry. These rumors, widely circulated, added a layer of intrigue to his life, transforming him into a figure of public interest.
His marriage to Claire Rose Pelly on January 20, 1966, further intertwined his life with the narratives of the time. His first wife, was born on November 18, 1943 and is the daughter of Douglas Gurney Pelly and Monica Tate. His son, William Alexander Sidney Herbert, the 18th Earl of Pembroke, born on May 18, 1978, carries on the familys legacy, succeeding his father in 2003. The presence of his heir, William, has led to some observers remarking on a resemblance to Prince Harry, further fueling the public's curiosity.
The funeral, held at St. Mary and St. Nicholas Church, Wilton, drew more than 700 people, a testament to the impact he had on his community and the enduring significance of his name. The gathering underscored the deep respect for his memory and the sense of loss felt by those who knew him. His death at the age of 64 marked the end of an era, a time when the aristocratic world, with its traditions and responsibilities, met the modern era. The 17th Earl of Pembroke, a man who died in October, left behind a legacy that blends tradition with artistry, and whispers of what might have been.
His education at Christ Church, Oxford, further shaped his character and broadened his horizons. This intellectual foundation coupled with his aristocratic upbringing, provided him with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of his life.
The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald reported on his death, highlighting his diverse interests and his role as a patron of the arts. The article described him as a man who mixed bohemian interests with the responsibilities of his inheritance. He was not just a landowner, but a farmer, a filmmaker, and a patron of the arts. He was a man of many facets, reflecting the spirit of his time, an era marked by both tradition and change.
The echoes of his life resonate still, woven into the fabric of English history. Henry Herbert, the 17th Earl of Pembroke, remains a compelling figure, a man whose life, touched by both privilege and creative expression, continues to captivate and intrigue.
