The Victorian aristocrat who became first British Muslim lord

"It's nearly 200 years since the birth of a British aristocrat who became the first Muslim member of the House of Lords. But few have heard of Lord Henry Stanley, who "defied convention and his family's wishes" when he converted to Islam in 1859, according to historian Jamie Gilham. Little remains of Stanley's letters and diaries "which is really frustrating but adds to the idea that he was a private man," he said."

"Since medieval times, a relatively small number of Brits had become Muslims while travelling abroad. But Gilham said Stanley was notable as he had influence politically and on his lands in Cheshire and Anglesey. Born in 1827, Stanley was the eldest of 10 children given free rein to develop their own thoughts and beliefs. The wider family, whose aristocratic ancestors can be traced to Norman times, had members belonging to various Christian denominations and at least one who was Jewish during Victorian times."

Lord Henry Stanley was born in 1827 as the eldest of ten children and converted to Islam in 1859, becoming the first Muslim member of the House of Lords. He maintained a private life with few surviving letters and diaries. He experienced a hearing impairment that affected his schooling, left Eton after one year, and studied with a private tutor. He learned Arabic at Cambridge and was influenced by travelogues and Arabian Nights tales. His family came from an aristocratic line traceable to Norman times and included diverse religious affiliations. He exercised political influence and managed lands in Cheshire and Anglesey.

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