#14823, THOMAS WILLIAM COKE KG 3rd Earl of Leicester

Eldest son. Known as Viscount Coke until he inherited in 1909. He was a Colonel in the 2nd Battalion of the Scotts Guards and served in Egypt in 1882 and at Suakin in 1885. Having retired from the regular army he was appointed to command the Norfolk Artillery Militia. In 1900 he took 100 men militia men to South Africa during the 2nd Boer War. He was mentioned in despatches by Lord Kitchener (#733).
He was appointed CMG in 1902 and GCVO in 1908. He was Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk from 1906 to 1929

Unlike his predecessors who all
inherited Holkham when aged only
20 or 21, the 3rd Earl of Leicester had a
long military career before succeeding to
the title and estate in 1909 at the age of 61.
Despite falling rents and income between
the wars, he continued to live in 19th
century style. ‘White tie’ dress was
required even for family dinner in the
north dining room, the old kitchen
continued in use, and large shooting
parties dominated winter social life. His
greatest contribution to the hall was the
installation of electricity. He died in 1941
at the age of 93.