Alfred Milner, Viscount Milner (1854-1925), Public servant and politician; High Commissioner for South Africa

Sitter in 22 portraits
German-born Milner studied at Oxford University after which he worked as assistant editor of the Pall Mall Gazette. He then became private secretary to Viscount Goshen, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. On Goschen's recommendation, Milner became Under-Secretary of Finance in Egypt. While there he wrote England in Egypt (1892). Milner went on to hold important positions including Chairman of the Inland Revenue (1897-1901) and Governor of the Transvaal (1901-05). In 1902 he became a Viscount for his services during the Boer War. In December 1916, he entered the new coalition government formed by Lloyd George. He served as Secretary of War and later was appointed Colonial Secretary.