Sir Frederick Ulric Graham (1820-1888)

Frederick Ulric Graham was born in 1820, the eldest son of Sir James Robert George Graham, 2nd baronet Graham of Netherby, Cumberland, and Fanny Callander. The Graham family had owned land at Netherby, between Carlisle and the Scottish border, since the 16th century and were well connected. The 2nd baronet had a distinguished political career, serving as First Lord of the Admiralty and then as Home Secretary.

In 1842 Frederick Graham served as a diplomatic attaché in Vienna. In 1844 he obtained a commission in the 2nd Dragoons, transferring to the Life Guards and then in 1847 to the 17th Dragoons. From 1848 he was attached to the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry Cavalry. He was very keen on hunting and fishing and in 1847 took part in a “sporting expedition” to Western Canada. The diary that he kept was eventually published by his wife in 1898. In 1852 he married Jane Hermione St. Maur Seymour and they had 8 children.

In 1861, on the death of his father, he succeeded to the title of 3rd baronet Graham of Netherby. He served as a deputy lieutenant for Cumberland and, in 1866, as High Sheriff. He died in London in 1888.

The family residence, Netherby Hall, constructed around a 15th century pele tower, was enlarged and altered several times but owed much, including its library, to Frederick’s great-grandfather, Rev. Robert Graham. In 1874, during Sir Frederick’s tenure, the manuscripts were catalogued by A.J. Horwood on behalf of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. The contents included important documents relating to Richard Graham, 1st Viscount Preston (1648-1695), statesman, diplomat and eventual Jacobite conspirator, as well as a commonplace book belonging to John Milton.