Thomas Pakenham: The Life of the 8th Earl of Longford
Thomas Francis Dermot Pakenham, the 8th Earl of Longford, is a distinguished Anglo-Irish hereditary peer (a nobleman whose title is inherited), historian, and arborist. Known widely as Thomas Pakenham, he has spent his career documenting the complexities of African and British history, as well as the natural beauty of the world's trees. His work is characterized by a blend of rigorous historical research and a deep passion for the natural world.
Throughout his life, Pakenham has balanced the responsibilities of his lineage with a prolific writing career, earning several prestigious awards for his literary contributions.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Thomas Francis Dermot Pakenham.
- Titles: 8th Earl of Longford, Baron Silchester, and Baron Pakenham.
- Education: Belvedere College (Dublin) and Magdalen College (Oxford).
- Notable Works: Author of The Scramble for Africa and The Boer War.
- Specializations: African history, Victorian/post-Victorian British history, and arboriculture.
- Honors: Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (elected 2016).
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born on August 14, 1933, Thomas Pakenham was born into a family of significant intellectual and political influence. He is the eldest son of Frank Pakenham, the 7th Earl of Longford and a Labour government minister, and the author Elizabeth Longford. His family legacy of writing and public service is evident among his siblings, which include the renowned historian Lady Antonia Fraser and writer Lady Rachel Billington.
Pakenham's education began at Belvedere College, a private Jesuit school in Dublin, before he moved to Magdalen College, Oxford. After graduating in 1955, he embarked on a formative journey through Ethiopia. This adventure served as the primary inspiration for his first published book, The Mountains of Rasselas, released in 1959.
Professional Career and Literary Contributions
Upon returning to Britain, Pakenham entered the world of journalism, working on the editorial staffs of The Sunday Telegraph, The Observer, and the Times Educational Supplement. While his early career was rooted in journalism, his lasting legacy is found in his extensive bibliography.
Historical Scholarship
Pakenham is highly regarded for his detailed accounts of conflict and colonialism. His work The Scramble for Africa, 1876-1912 won both the Alan Paton Award and the WH Smith Literary Award. He also provided a comprehensive look at the 1798 Irish Rebellion in The Year of Liberty and a detailed study of The Boer War.
Passion for Arboriculture
In addition to history, Pakenham is a dedicated arborist (a specialist in the cultivation and study of trees). This passion led to the publication of several books, including Meetings with Remarkable Trees, which was adapted into both radio and television series. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Irish Tree Society and is the honorary custodian of Tullynally Castle.
Peerage and Public Life
Pakenham succeeded his father as the Earl of Longford on August 3, 2001. Despite his titles, he generally does not use the title "Earl of Longford" in daily life, nor did he use the courtesy title Lord Silchester prior to his succession. While he holds the titles of Baron Silchester and Baron Pakenham, the House of Lords Act 1999 means that, as a hereditary peer, he is not entitled to a seat in the House of Lords.
Beyond his literary and noble pursuits, Pakenham previously owned the Longford Greyhound Stadium, which he sold to Longford Sports Ltd in 1966.
Personal Life
In 1964, Thomas Pakenham married Valerie Susan McNair Scott. Together they had four children: Lady Anna Maria, Lady Eliza, Edward Melchior (Lord Silchester), and the Hon. Frederick Augustus. Valerie Pakenham passed away on January 22, 2023, at the age of 83.
Summary of Published Works
| Year | Title | Subject Matter |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 | The Mountains of Rasselas | Ethiopian Adventure |
| 1969 | The Year of Liberty | Irish Rebellion of 1798 |
| 1979 | The Boer War | Military History |
| 1991 | The Scramble for Africa, 1876-1912 | Colonial African History |
| 1996 | Meetings with Remarkable Trees | Arboriculture |
| 2002 | Remarkable Trees of the World | Arboriculture |
| 2004 | The Remarkable Baobab | Botany/Nature |
| 2015 | The Company of Trees | Arboriculture |
| 2024 | The Tree Hunters | Arboretums and Landscapes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Thomas Pakenham sit in the House of Lords?
No. Due to the House of Lords Act 1999, Pakenham is not entitled to a seat in the House of Lords as a hereditary peer.
What are Thomas Pakenham's most famous books?
He is best known for his historical works The Scramble for Africa and The Boer War, as well as his nature-focused series on remarkable trees.
What is Pakenham's connection to the Irish Tree Society?
Thomas Pakenham serves as the Chairman of the Irish Tree Society and is an expert arborist.
Who is the heir to the earldom?
The heir apparent to the earldom is Edward Melchior Pakenham, Lord Silchester, born on January 6, 1970.
Which awards has Thomas Pakenham won?
His book The Scramble for Africa won both the WH Smith Literary Award and the Alan Paton Award.