Colonial Despatches

John Somerset Pakington was born on 20 February 1799 and was educated at Eton and Oriel College, Oxford. Pakington sat in Parliament as the representative for Droitwich from 1837 to 1874. In February 1852, with the election of Lord Derby's administration, he bacame secretary for war and the colonies. On the defeat of the government, Pakington retired from office, returning with Lord Derby's government on 8 March 1858 as first lord of the Admiralty.1

In June 1859, Lord Derby's government was again defeated, and Pakington resigned. He was created a GCB on 30 June.2 He became first lord of the Admiralty again in Lord Derby's administration in June 1866,3 then serving as secretary of state for war from 8 March 1867 to December 1868.4 On 6 March 1874, Pakington was created Baron Hampton, taking his seat in the House of Lords that month. He died in London on 9 April 1880.5

• 1. Paul Chilcott, Pakington [formerly Russel], John Somerset, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
• 2. Ibid.
• 3. Ibid.
• 4. Peter Davis, John Somerset Pakington R.N., The Royal Victoria Navy (website).
• 5. Paul Chilcott, Pakington [formerly Russel], John Somerset, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.