Album relating to Captain W.H Fife (9th Lancers + North Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry)

An album relating to Captain W.H. Fife, of the 9th Lancers and the North Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry, measuring 380 x 280 x 60mm and contains approximately 60 pages, spanning from 1879 - 1890.

The album includes a photograph featuring a troop of Lancers, numerous letters, and newspaper clippings documenting the latter part of Captain Fife's military career, alongside a retirement letter dated 31st August 1883. The personal section of the album encompasses photographs, sketches, and watercolours, offering glimpses into Captain Fife's private life, alongside a highly amusing letter to presumably his children. Notably, there is an abundance of images dedicated to horses and horse racing, along with related ephemera. Furthermore, the album features depictions of his residence, Langton Hall, located in Northallerton, Yorkshire. Other items include a program from the 'Assault of Arms' competition held in 1879 for the North Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry and a letter from Richard Boyle, 9th Earl of Cork and Orrery.

William Henry Fife-Cookson was born in 1845, pursued studies at Cambridge University in 1865 and became a member of the Freemasons while in the East Indies. He served as adjutant of the 9th Lancers for five years and the album includes a letter from a gentleman hoping to join up, stating his qualifications and experiences. His residences included the grand Langton Hall in North Yorkshire, Wykeham Abbey and Lee Hall in Northumberland. Fife hailed from a distinguished family with a history of notable contributions in the fields of medicine and the military. Particularly noteworthy was his grandfather, a founding member of the School of Medicine in Newcastle. In 1911, William adopted his mother's maiden name, Cookson, following the terms of his grandfather's will. This name had already been earlier adopted by his eldest brother to inherit the Lee Hall estate. After his military service, Fife pursued a career as a local magistrate. He found his final resting place in St. Helen's Churchyard, North Yorkshire, and is commemorated by a stained glass window dedicated to his memory in Great Langton Church. Tragically, his son, a Lieutenant Colonel with the Machine Gun Corps attached to the King's Rifle Corps, was wounded in the Boer War and later passed away in France in 1917 due to heart failure following a bout of pneumonia.

Condition Report

Album exterior is very worn. One internal page has had a photograph cut out and another is missing.

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