A.J. Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour, was born at Whittingehame (also spelt Whittingham or Whittinghame) on 25 July His parents were James Maitland Balfour and Lady Blanche – second daughter of the 2nd Marquis of Salisbury. An intellectual and a philosopher, he had a long career in politics, becoming Prime Minister (–06) and later a controversial Foreign Secretary under David Lloyd.