Background
He was born the son of Sir Henry Halford, 2nd Baronet, Member of Parliament for Leicestershire South, whom he succeeded in 1868. On his father"s death he inherited Wistow Hall in Leicestershire, where he thereafter lived.
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Henry Halford
Edit Profilecaptain colonel Leicestershire volunteers
Education
He was educated at Eton College and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1849.
Career
In 1860 he took command of a company of the Leicestershire volunteers, becoming colonel of the battalion in 1862. He held the office, with a 10 year break, until 1891, when he was made honorary colonel. In 1886 he was awarded C.B.
He was pricked High Sheriff of Leicestershire for 1872 and in 1889 was appointed the first Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, a post he held until 1893.
His main interest was rifle shooting and the development of rifle technology.
In 1877 he was captain of a team of eight who shot a match against an American team and also took part in similar matches in 1882 and 1883. He was for many years Chairman of the National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom.
Sir Henry had worked closely with William Ellis Metford, inventor of the rifle, establishing a workshop and firing range at Wistow Hall to help with the experimental work. The team made significant improvements in rifling and bullet design.
Sir Henry left Wistow Hall in his will to Baron Cottesloe, whose descendants still own the property.
Achievements
Membership
He was also a member of the government Small Arms Committee which recommended the adoption in the Army of the Lee-Metford rifle.
