Burnham, Edward Levy-Lawson, 1st Baron Burnham (1833-1916)

English journalist and newspaper proprietor. The direction of the Daily Telegraph came into his hands in 1885 and when Irish home rule appeared on the Liberal programme in 1885 he and his paper took up the Unionist cause. He continued the paper's policy of helping exploring expeditions.

Burnham was born Edward Levy (he assumed the additional surname of Lawson in 1875) in London, England, the son of a printer. He was educated at University College School, and became drama critic of the Sunday Times, which was owned by his father. In 1855 the latter also bought the newly established Daily Telegraph and Courier, and reorganized it as the Daily Telegraph. Burnham was made a baronet in 1892 and in 1903 was raised to the peerage.