Charles Hardinge, 1st Baron Hardinge of Penshurst (1858-1944), was born in London on 20 June 1858, the son of Charles Stewart Hardinge, 2nd Viscount Hardinge. He attended Harrow, and on graduating from Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1880 entered the Diplomatic Service. During his time in the Service his posts included secretary of legation at Tehran (1896), secretary of embassy at St Petersburg (1898-1903), assistant under secretary for foreign affairs (1903-1904), ambassador at St Petersburg (1904-1906), permanent under secretary of state for foreign affairs (1906-1910 and 1916-1920) and ambassador at Paris (1920-1922). While permanent under secretary of state, he accompanied Edward VII as minister in attendance when the King visited the continent. During 1910-1916 Hardinge served as viceroy of India. He was created Baron Hardinge in 1910, and retired in 1923. In 1933-1934 he was a member of the Joint Committee on Indian Constitutional Reform. He died at Oakfield, near Penshurst, on 2 August 1944.
From the guide to the Charles Hardinge, 1st Baron Hardinge: Papers, 1880-1922, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)
