author
Aubrey Herbert
1880–1923
A restless traveler, diplomat, and politician, he became one of the best-known British supporters of Albanian independence in the years around the First World War. His life mixed high politics, dangerous journeys, and a reputation for quiet personal courage despite severe problems with his eyesight.
1 Audiobook
Mons, Anzac and Kut
by Aubrey Herbert
About the author
Born at Highclere Castle in 1880, Aubrey Herbert was a British soldier, diplomat, traveler, intelligence officer, and Conservative member of Parliament. He came from the Herbert family of Carnarvon, but built a public identity of his own through foreign travel, political service, and deep interest in the Balkans and the Ottoman world.
He is especially remembered for his close connection to Albania. During the early 20th century he became a strong advocate for Albanian independence, and his name was at times linked with proposals that he might even take the Albanian throne. That unusual chapter helped make him a memorable figure in British and Balkan history alike.
Herbert served in Parliament from 1911 until his death in 1923. Accounts of his life also note his long struggle with poor eyesight, which makes his travels and public career all the more striking. Today he is remembered as an energetic, unconventional public figure whose adventures inspired lasting fascination, including later biographies about his life.