Hugh Grosvenor Collection

Ormonde, 1883-1904, (1911). From British Sports and Sportsmen Part 1. [British Sports and Sportsmen, London, 1911]

The hydroplane Brunhilde. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The hydroplane Brunhilde. Brunhilde was built by S. E. Saunders on the Isle of Wight for the Duke of Westminster as a successor to the record breaking Ursula

The Duke of Westminster, c1916, (c1920). Creator: Unknown
The Duke of Westminster, c1916, (c1920)....awarded the D.S.O. [Distinguished Service Order] for his Services with the Armoured Cars in the Senussi Campaign

Majority of Earl Grosvenor (engraving)
1053085 Majority of Earl Grosvenor (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Majority of Earl Grosvenor)

The Duke of Westminster and his armoured cars dash to the rescue of shipwrecked crews seized by the Senussi, Cyrenaica
976463 The Duke of Westminster and his armoured cars dash to the rescue of shipwrecked crews seized by the Senussi, Cyrenaica, North Africa, 17 March 1916 (litho) by Elcock, Howard K

Duke and Duchess of Westminster (engraving)
1058587 Duke and Duchess of Westminster (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Duke and Duchess of Westminster)

The late Duke of Westminster (litho)
1593071 The late Duke of Westminster (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The late Duke of Westminster)

The Duke of Westminster, KG (b / w photo)
1107886 The Duke of Westminster, KG (b/w photo) by English photographer, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Duke of Westminster, KG)

The steam yacht Grainaig at anchor. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The Duke of Westminsters steam yacht Grainaig at anchor

The 40 ft hydroplane Pioneer under way. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40 ft hydroplane Pioneer under way. Pioneer was an English boat, owned by the Duke of Westminster, and challenged America for possession of the Harmsworth International Trophy in 1910

Brunhilde on slip ready for launching. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Brunhilde on slip ready for launching. Brunhilde was built by S. E. Saunders on the Isle of Wight for the Duke of Westminster as a successor to the record breaking Ursula

The 611 ton auxilary barque ship Belem, 1919. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 611 ton auxilary barque ship Belem, 1919. Belem was built in France by builders Chantiers Dubigeon, and launched in 1896

The hydroplane Brunhilde under way. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The hydroplane Brunhilde under way. Brunhilde was built by S. E. Saunders on the Isle of Wight for the Duke of Westminster as a successor to the record breaking Ursula

Paradox, 1882-1890, (1911)
Paradox, 1911. Paradox (1882-1890) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. From British Sports and Sportsmen Part 1. [British Sports and Sportsmen, London, 1911]

Sceptre, 1899-1926, (1911)
Sceptre, 1911. From British Sports and Sportsmen Part 1. [British Sports and Sportsmen, London, 1911]

Flying Fox, 1896-1911, (1911). From British Sports and Sportsmen Part 1. [British Sports and Sportsmen, London, 1911]

Monument to the late Duke of Westminster, Eccleston Church, Eccleston, Cheshire, 1902-1903. Artist: William Griggs
Monument to the late Duke of Westminster, Eccleston Church, Cheshire, 1902-1903. From Penroses Pictorial Annual 1902-1903, An Illustrated Review of the Graphic Arts, volume 8

Hugh Grosvenor (1825-1899), 1st Duke of Westminster, 19th century. Artist: DJ Pound
Hugh Grosvenor (1825-1899), 1st Duke of Westminster, 19th century

Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster, c1890. Artist: Cassell, Petter & Galpin
Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster, c1890. By the time that Grosvenor (1825-1899) was created Duke of Westminster in 1874

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Hugh Grosvenor, also known as the Duke of Westminster, was a prominent figure in British history. Born in 1879, he inherited the title and vast wealth at a young age after his father's untimely death. Despite his privileged upbringing, Hugh Grosvenor proved to be more than just a wealthy aristocrat. In 1883, when he was just four years old, the famous racehorse Ormonde won the Epsom Derby under his ownership. This early connection to horse racing would become a lifelong passion for him. During World War I, Hugh Grosvenor played an active role in serving his country. In 1916, he led daring rescue missions in North Africa to save shipwrecked crews captured by the Senussi forces. His armoured cars became symbols of hope and protection during those challenging times. Not only did they have a strong military presence but he also had an adventurous spirit. He commissioned Kirk & Sons of Cowes to build various hydroplanes and steam yachts like Brunhilde and Grainaig respectively. These vessels showcased his love for exploration and luxury. Despite all these accomplishments, Hugh Grosvenor remained humble and dedicated to public service throughout his life. As seen in engravings and photographs from that era, he always stood alongside his wife Duchess of Westminster as they supported charitable causes together. Sadly, Hugh Grosvenor passed away sometime around 1920 but left behind an enduring legacy both as a nobleman with immense influence and as someone who used their power for good. The name "Hugh Grosvenor" will forever be associated with courage on land and sea - whether it was leading rescue missions or commissioning magnificent ships like Pioneer or Belem from Kirk & Sons of Cowes. His contributions continue to inspire generations even today.