Unveiling The Life Of Henry Herbert, 17th Earl Of Pembroke: A Deep Dive
Could the life of a man, heir to ancient titles and a legacy of privilege, also encompass the creative spirit of a documentarian and filmmaker? The life of Henry Herbert, the 17th Earl of Pembroke, was precisely that: a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of aristocracy, artistic expression, and, at times, controversy.
More than seven hundred people gathered at St. Mary and St. Nicholas Church, Wilton, last Thursday, to bid farewell to Henry Herbert, the 17th Earl of Pembroke and 14th Earl of Montgomery. Among those present were the current Lord Pembroke, Lady Alice, Lady Jemima, and the Countess of Pembroke, highlighting the enduring presence of the family within the community. The funeral marked the end of an era for a man who navigated the complex waters of his inheritance while pursuing a career that challenged conventional expectations.
Born Henry George Charles Alexander Herbert on May 19, 1939, the 17th Earl of Pembroke's life was a study in contrasts. Educated at Christ Church, Oxford, he inherited a lineage stretching back centuries, a legacy documented through sources like Wikipedia, ThePeerage, and Genealogics.org. His life would intertwine with the echoes of the past. His father, Sidney Herbert, 16th Earl of Pembroke, passed away in 1969, the year Henry took his fathers title.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry George Charles Alexander Herbert |
| Titles | 17th Earl of Pembroke, 14th Earl of Montgomery, 6th Baron Herbert of Lea |
| Born | May 19, 1939 |
| Died | February 5, 2003 |
| Education | Christ Church, Oxford |
| Career | Documentarian, Film Director, British Landowner, Member of the House of Lords |
| Marriage | Claire Rose Pelly (m. 1966) |
| Children | William Alexander Sidney Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke |
| Parents | Sidney Herbert, 16th Earl of Pembroke & Mary Dorothea Hope |
| Successor | William Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
The 17th Earl of Pembroke's life was not confined to the stately homes and formal traditions often associated with his class. He also embraced a more bohemian lifestyle, weaving his aristocratic responsibilities with a passion for the arts. His career as a documentarian and film director showcases this duality, revealing a man who sought to capture and shape narratives beyond the confines of his inherited world. In early adult life, he began to blend his inherited responsibilities with his interests, charting a course that was uniquely his own.
The Earls son, William Herbert, the 18th Earl of Pembroke, succeeded him in 2003 and is the current Earl of Pembroke and 15th of Montgomery as of 2018. The titles he held, stretching back centuries, represent a tangible link to the past: 17th Earl of Pembroke (1551), 14th Earl of Montgomery (1605), Baron Herbert of Cardiff (1551), Baron Herbert of Shurland (1605), and Baron Herbert of Lea (UK 1861). His ancestry connects him to a lineage of notable figures, including William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, who founded Pembroke College, Oxford, and supported the printing of the first folio of William Shakespeare's plays. The family history, documented over generations, is a story of influence and cultural patronage.
The life of Henry Herbert, the 17th Earl of Pembroke, offers a window into the complexities of British aristocracy. His story is one of inherited privilege, creative pursuits, and the navigating of societal expectations. A portrait from August 1969, captured by Cecil Beaton, offers a glimpse of the man himself, and the legacy of his life continues to resonate. The impact of his work in documentary and film, combined with his lineage, cements his place as a key figure in the history of the English aristocracy.
