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Lord Carnarvon: The Earl Who Discovered King Tut’s Tomb

George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, holds a unique place in history as the man who financed and co-discovered the tomb of the Egyptian boy-king Tutankhamun. He was also a relative of my cousin Sir Henry Trotter’s wife, Dame Eva Gifford, 11th Baroness of Mortonhall.

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Early Life and Family

Lord Carnarvon was born on June 26, 1866, at Highclere Castle, Hampshire — now world-famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey. He was the only son and heir of Henry Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon, and Lady Evelyn Stanhope. His maternal grandfather was George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield.

In 1885, at age 19, George Herbert inherited the Bretby Hall estate from his maternal grandmother, Anne Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Chesterfield. Just five years later, in 1890, he succeeded his father as the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.

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Life of Wealth and Passion for Racing

Known for his immense wealth, Lord Carnarvon gained early fame as a racehorse owner and one of Britain’s first automobile enthusiasts. However, in 1901, a severe car accident in Germany left him with lasting injuries. During his recovery, he turned his focus to horse breeding, founding the Highclere Stud in 1902.

By 1905, he became one of the stewards of the newly opened Newbury Racecourse — a tradition that continues within the Carnarvon family today. His grandson, Henry Herbert, the 7th Earl of Carnarvon, would later serve as Racing Manager to Queen Elizabeth II from 1969, becoming one of Her Majesty’s closest friends.

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From Racing to Egyptology

After his accident, Lord Carnarvon began spending winters in Egypt for his health, starting in 1903. To pass the time, he began collecting ancient artifacts — a hobby that soon blossomed into a deep passion for Egyptology.

His first attempt at excavation in Sheikh Abd el-Qurna was unsuccessful. Onlookers famously noted that he and Lady Carnarvon oversaw the dig from a mosquito-proof cage — with Lady Carnarvon dressed “more for a garden party than an archaeological expedition.”

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Partnership with Howard Carter

Determined to succeed, Lord Carnarvon decided to fund a professional archaeologist. In 1907, he partnered with Howard Carter, whose expertise matched Carnarvon’s enthusiasm. Together, they excavated sites throughout Egypt, eventually focusing on the Valley of the Kings.

World War I temporarily halted their work in 1915, but after the war, they resumed excavations. By 1921, however, no major discoveries had been made, and Lord Carnarvon considered withdrawing his financial support. Carter persuaded him to fund one final season of digging — a decision that changed history forever.

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Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb

On November 4, 1922, Howard Carter’s team uncovered the steps leading to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Lord Carnarvon arrived in Egypt shortly after, and together, on February 17, 1923, they opened the sealed tomb — revealing treasures that astonished the world.

The discovery of King Tut’s tomb became an international sensation, instantly making both Carnarvon and Carter famous.

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The Tragic Death of Lord Carnarvon

Sadly, Lord Carnarvon did not live long enough to enjoy his newfound fame. Just two months after the tomb’s opening, he died in Cairo at age 56.

According to reports, a mosquito bite on his face became infected after he accidentally cut it while shaving, leading to fatal blood poisoning. Yet rumors quickly spread that his death was the result of “The Curse of Tutankhamun” — said to strike anyone who disturbed the boy-king’s tomb.

Whether coincidence or curse, Lord Carnarvon’s death only deepened the mystery and fascination surrounding the tomb’s discovery.

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Do You Believe in the Curse of King Tut?

The legend of the Mummy’s Curse continues to intrigue historians, scientists, and mystery lovers alike. Was Lord Carnarvon truly a victim of an ancient curse — or simply a tragic twist of fate?