Frere, Henry Bartle Edward (1815–1884)

British administrator. During the Indian Mutiny of 1857–58 he assisted with the relief of the Punjab. In 1877 he was made governor of Cape Colony and first high commissioner of South Africa. The build-up to the first South African War and the struggle with Cetewayo, King of Zululand, were features of his rule.

Frere was born at Clydach, Brecon, Wales, and educated at Bath and Haileybury. He entered the Bombay (now Mumbai) civil service in 1834, and remained in India for 33 years. In recognition of his service during the Mutiny, he was thanked by Parliament and in 1859 appointed a member of the viceroy's council. Returning to England in 1867, he held various offices before he was appointed to South Africa. He was recalled in 1880 for having exceeded his instructions.