Background
The son of Sir Henry Holland, 1st Baronet, a prominent physician, Knutsford was educated at Harrow School, Durham University, and Trinity College, Cambridge, and took his degree in 1847.
The son of Sir Henry Holland, 1st Baronet, a prominent physician, Knutsford was educated at Harrow School, Durham University, and Trinity College, Cambridge, and took his degree in 1847.
He studied law, and was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in 1849.
He practiced law privately until 1867, when he became legal advisor to the Colonial Office. In 1870 Knutsford became assistant colonial undersecretary, serving until 1874, and in 1873, having succeeded his father as 2nd Baronet, he was elected to the House of Commons as a Conservative. In Lord Salisbury"s first administration (1885–1886), Knutsford served as Financial Secretary to the Treasury and then as Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education.
He served in this role again at the beginning of Salisbury"s second ministry (1886–1887), but was soon promoted to Colonial Secretary (in January 1887).
As Colonial Secretary, Knutsford was largely concerned with South African affairs, being the Colonial Secretary who granted the charter for Cecil Rhodes"s British South Africa Company in 1887. In 1888 he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Knutsford, of Knutsford in the County Palatine of Chester.
In 1895, Knutsford was not included in Salisbury"s new government. He was further honoured the same year when he was made Viscount Knutsford, of Knutsford in the County Palatine of Chester.
Holland married Elizabeth Margaret, daughter of Nathaniel Hibbert, in 1852.
Honorary Edith Emily Holland (1853–1923)
Sydney Holland, 2nd Viscount Knutsford (1855–1931)
Arthur Holland-Hibbert, 3rd Viscount Knutsford (1855–1935)
Henry Macaulay Holland (16 September 1859 – 6 April 1878)
Honorary Margaret Alice Holland (5 September 1861 – 1937), married Reginald Abel Smith
Captain
Honorary Cecil Trevelyan Holland (26 October 1862 – 1941)
Honorary
Lionel Raleigh Holland (1865–1936)
Lord Knutsford remained a widower until his death in January 1914, aged 88. His funeral was held at Golders Green Crematorium. He was succeeded in his titles by his eldest twin son, Sydney.
21st United Kingdom Parliament. 22nd United Kingdom Parliament. 23rd United Kingdom Parliament.
24th United Kingdom Parliament.
