Anthony Bacon (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Bacon
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Anthony Bacon |
| Born | 1796 |
| Died | 2 July 1864 (aged 67–68) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | Napoleonic wars |
| Awards | Waterloo Medal |
| Children | 3 |
Major Anthony Bacon (born 1796 – died 2 July 1864) was an important cavalry officer who fought in the Napoleonic wars. He was known for his military service and his efforts to start a new colony in Australia.
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Anthony Bacon's Family
Anthony Bacon was born in Llandaff, Glamorgan. His father, Anthony Bushby Bacon (1772–1827), was a very rich man. He owned large estates like Elcot Park and Benham Park in Berkshire. Anthony Bacon went to school at Eton College.
His Grandfather's Legacy
Anthony Bacon's grandfather, also named Anthony Bacon (1718–1786), was a famous industrialist. He owned ironworks and coal mines in Wales. He helped make Merthyr Tydfil a major iron-producing area in Great Britain. He was one of the wealthiest people of his time. However, his sons were not interested in his businesses. They quickly sold or leased them to others.
His Sister's Important Marriage
Major Bacon's sister, Emily, married a wealthy landowner in 1835. He was Lt. Col. Thomas Peers Williams (1795–1875). He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Great Marlow for many years. Several of their daughters, who were Anthony Bacon's nieces, married into noble families.
Financial Challenges
Even though his family was very rich, Anthony Bacon spent a lot of money. His father often paid his debts instead of giving him a regular allowance. In 1823, Anthony Bacon married Lady Charlotte Harley. She also enjoyed an expensive lifestyle.
Losing the Family Fortune
By 1827, when his father died, the family's money was in serious trouble. Anthony Bacon faced major financial problems. In November 1829, he was held for debt.
Early Military Service
Anthony Bacon was a soldier in the 10th Hussars. He was a hero from the Battle of Waterloo. For his bravery, he received the Waterloo Medal.
Leaving the Army
In 1826, he decided to leave the army. He sold his position as an officer. This happened after Lord Lucan bought his way into a higher command in the 17th Lancers.
Plans for a New Colony
After facing financial difficulties, Anthony Bacon and his family moved to Australia. However, things did not go well there. Bacon continued to borrow a lot of money for big projects. But he often did not pay the workers.
A Proposal for South Australia
Bacon had hoped to start a new colony in South Australia. In 1831, he worked with others to create a plan. This plan was called "Proposal to His Majesty's Government for founding a colony on the Southern Coast of Australia." However, the government thought his ideas were too new and different. The plan also could not get enough money from investors. So, his plans were not approved.
Later Military Adventures
Anthony Bacon returned to Europe. He joined the side of Pedro I of Brazil during the Liberal Wars. He worked as a soldier for hire and was successful at first. He became a Major General in the Portuguese army.
Losing Command and Disputes
However, he later lost his command. This was due to disagreements over how he managed supplies and resources after the emperor's death. For the rest of his life, he tried to get the money he was owed for his service. He also had public disagreements with Lord Lucan about the Battle of Balaclava.
Family Life
Major Bacon passed away at his home in Crondall, Hampshire, in 1864. His three surviving children settled in Australia. His wife, Lady Charlotte Harley, later joined them there.
Lady Charlotte's Background
Anthony Bacon married Lady Charlotte in 1823. She was the daughter of Edward Harley, 5th Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer. Her brother, Alfred Harley, 6th Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, died in 1853 without children. This meant his four sisters, including Lady Charlotte, became his co-heiresses. After a long legal fight over her brother's estate, Lady Charlotte returned to England in 1877. She died in 1880.
Their Children and Grandchildren
Anthony and Charlotte's children included Harley Ereville Bacon and Nora Creina. Nora Creina married Charles Burney Young. Their son, Harry Dove Young of Kanmantoo, became an Australian Member of Parliament. Their youngest son, Anthony Harley Bacon, was the father of Gladys Luz Bacon. Gladys's son later became the 14th Earl of Kinnoul. Another son, Harley Bacon, became engaged to a very rich German heiress in 1900.
