James Bruce 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine 
Biography of James Bruce 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine
James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine (1811-1863) was Rector of the University from 1859 until 1862.
Born in London, the son of the man famous for bringing the "Elgin Marbles" from Athens to London, Elgin was raised in Paris and studied at Christ Church, Oxford. In 1841 he briefly became a Conservative MP before inheriting the family titles. He became Governor of Jamaica the following year and went on to serve as Governor-in-Chief of British North America; Plenipotentiaty in China and the Far East, and Viceroy of India.
Elgin defeated Benjamin Disraeli in the 1859 rectorial election.
Summary
James Bruce 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine
Viceroy of India
Born 20 July 1811, London, England.
Died 20 November 1863.
GU Degree:
University Link: Rector
Occupation categories: ambassadors; politicians
NNAF Reference: GB/NNAF/P133044
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Record last updated: 26th Feb 2013