Earl of Ranfurly, GCMG

Governor of New Zealand

1897 - 1904

Sir Uchter John Mark Knox Ranfurly, 5th Earl, was born in 1856 and educated at Harrow and Cambridge. He inherited his title in 1875.

He was Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria from 1895-97 before taking up office in New Zealand. He threatened to resign because of salary reductions and had to subsidise his pay from private sources.

His name is best remembered for his donation of the Ranfurly Shield for interprovincial rugby.

He had a great interest in the Order of St John of Jerusalem and became Director of the Order's ambulance service from 1915-19. Legion of Honour for ambulance services in war. Deputy Lieutenant and JP County Tyrone.

He died in 1933.

Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack

Visit the National Library's Ranfurly Collection