Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth More Rosebud: Chris Patten, Lord Patten of Barnes
Jul 15, 2025
In this conversation with Chris Patten, Lord Patten of Barnes, a veteran Conservative politician and the last Governor of Hong Kong, he shares delightful stories from his childhood in a loving Irish family. He offers insights on working with leaders like Ted Heath and Margaret Thatcher, reflecting on her contentious legacy. Patten also discusses his pride in the Irish peace process and expresses concerns about global governance under Trump. Get ready for a mix of humor, nostalgia, and serious political commentary!
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Childhood Memory Of Deadly Nightshade
- Chris Patten's earliest memory is walking to school with his sister who pretended deadly nightshade would kill her each morning.
- He recalls being terrified by her Sarah Bernhardt death scene at about four and a half years old.
Family Roots And Father's Sudden Death
- Chris Patten describes his Irish family origins and his father Frank's life as a dance-band drummer turned music publisher.
- He recounts his father's business collapse, fatal heart attack and the emotional aftermath of sorting unpaid bills.
Scholarship Boy At St Benedict's And Balliol
- Patten was a high-achieving schoolboy: head boy, captain of cricket and rugby fly-half, and an 11-plus scholarship winner.
- He won a junior scholarship (exhibition) to Balliol and remembers limited science teaching in the classical stream.
