Alleyne FitzHerbert, 1st Baron St Helens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord St Helens
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| Chief Secretary for Ireland | |
| In office 1787–1789 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Orde-Powlett |
| Succeeded by | Robert Hobart |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 March 1753 Derby |
| Died | 19 February 1839 (aged 85) Grafton Street, London |
| Parents | William and Mary Fitzherbert |
| Education | St John's College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | diplomat |
Alleyne FitzHerbert, 1st Baron St Helens (born March 1, 1753 – died February 19, 1839) was an important British diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He worked as a special representative in Russia from 1783 to 1788. He also served as the Chief Secretary for Ireland from 1787 to 1789. Later, he was the special representative to Spain from 1790 to 1794.
Alleyne FitzHerbert was a good friend of the famous explorer George Vancouver. In fact, Vancouver named Mount St. Helens in the U.S. state of Washington after him!
Contents
Who Was Alleyne FitzHerbert?
Alleyne FitzHerbert was born in 1753. He was the youngest of five sons. His family lived in Tissington in Derbyshire, England. His parents were William and Mary Fitzherbert.
Early Life and Education
Alleyne went to Derby School from 1763 to 1766. After that, he studied at Eton College from 1766 to 1770. Both are very old and famous schools in England.
University Days
In 1770, Alleyne started studying at St John's College, Cambridge. He was a very good student. He earned his first degree in 1774. He was one of the top students in math. He also won a special medal for his achievements. After university, he traveled through France and Italy.
A Career in Diplomacy
Alleyne FitzHerbert started his long career as a diplomat in 1777. His first job was as a minister in Brussels, which is now the capital of Belgium. He stayed there until 1782.
Peace Talks in Paris
In 1782, he was sent to Paris. His job was to help make peace treaties. These treaties were with France, Spain, and the Netherlands. On January 20, 1783, he signed the first peace agreements. These agreements helped end a big war. He also played a key role in making peace with the American colonies possible.
Ambassador to Russia
Because of his success, Alleyne was promoted in 1783. He became a special envoy to Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia. He even traveled with her on a tour around the Crimean Peninsula in 1787.
Naming Mount St. Helens
In 1791, there were disagreements between Great Britain and Spain. These were about trading rights in a place called Nootka Sound. Alleyne was sent to Madrid to help solve these problems. He successfully settled all the disputes by October of that year. For his great work, he was given a special title: Baron St. Helens. This made him a member of the Irish nobility.
A year later, in 1792, explorer George Vancouver saw a tall mountain. This was the first time Europeans had recorded seeing it. Vancouver named the mountain Mount St. Helens after the new Baron. This happened on October 20, 1792.
Alleyne also helped create an alliance treaty between Great Britain and Spain in 1793. However, the climate in Spain was not good for his health. So, he returned home in early 1794. Soon after, he was sent to the Hague in the Netherlands. He stayed there until the French army took over the country.
A few years later, in 1797, Alleyne faced a big problem. His house burned down, and he lost everything he owned. He barely escaped with his life. All his books, paintings, and drawings were gone.
Final Missions and Retirement
Alleyne's last foreign mission was to St. Petersburg in April 1801. He went to congratulate Emperor Alexander I of Russia on becoming ruler. He also helped arrange a treaty between England and Russia. The agreement was quickly made. After this, he was given another special title. He became Baron St. Helen's in the Isle of Wight and County of Southampton. This made him a member of the United Kingdom's nobility.
In September 1801, he attended Alexander's coronation in Moscow. He also helped make agreements with Denmark and Sweden.
In 1803, Alleyne retired from his diplomatic career. He received a pension of £2,300 a year. He was very close to King George III and his wife. He was even made a lord of the bedchamber in 1804. This was a special position in the royal household.
Alleyne FitzHerbert was known for being very careful and polite. He was friends with famous people like Samuel Rogers and Jeremy Bentham. He died in London on February 19, 1839. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. Since he never married or had children, his special title ended when he passed away.
Personal Life
Alleyne FitzHerbert never married. However, he had a very close friendship with Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom. She was the third daughter of King George III. Alleyne was seventeen years older than Elizabeth. They shared a dislike for formal court life. Elizabeth called him "a dear and valuable saint." She often said how much she loved him and how kind he always was to her. She even wrote that she always wanted to see him.
Princess Elizabeth showed her strong friendship by asking an artist to paint a [portrait] of Alleyne. He, in turn, kept a small enamel picture of Elizabeth.
See Also
- List of ambassadors of the United Kingdom to Russia
- Chief Secretary for Ireland
