Thomas Powys, 4th Baron Lilford

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thomas Littleton Powys, 4th Baron Lilford (March 18, 1833-June 17, 1896), was a British aristocrat and ornithologist.

Lilford was the eldest son of Thomas Powys, 3rd Baron Lilford, and Hon. Mary Elizabeth Fox, daughter of Henry Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron Holland. He succeeded his father as fourth Baron in 1861. Lilford was one of the eight founders of the British Ornithologists' Union in 1858 and its President from 1867 until his death. He was also the first President of the Northamptonshire Natural History Society.

Lilford travelled widely, especially in the Mediterranean Region and his extensive collection of birds was maintained in the grounds of his home, Lilford Hall, until 1991. His aviaries featured birds from around the globe, including rheas, kiwis, Pink-headed Ducks and even a pair of free-flying Lammergeiers. He was responsible for the introduction of the Little Owl into England in the 1880s.

He also wrote about birds. His books included Notes on the Birds of Northamptonshire and Neighbourhood (1895) and Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands, which was completed by Osbert Salvin after his death.

Lord Lilford married, firstly, Emma Elizabeth Brandling, daughter of Robert William Brandling, in 1859. After her death in 1884 he married, secondly, Clementina, daughter of Ker Baillie-Hamilton, in 1885. He died in June 1896, aged 63, and was succeeded in the barony by his eldest son from his first marriage, John. Lady Lilford died in 1929.


Peerage of Great Britain
Preceded by
Thomas Atherton Powys		 Baron Lilford
1861-1896		 Succeeded by
John Powys

[edit] References