Archibald Campbell, 1st Baron Blythswood facts for kids
Archibald Campbell, 1st Baron Blythswood, FRS (born February 22, 1835 – died July 8, 1908) was an important person from Scotland. He was a brave soldier, a Tory politician, and a clever scientist. He also held a high position as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Contents
Who Was Archibald Campbell?
Archibald Campbell was born in Florence, which was then part of Tuscany. His original name was Archibald Campbell Douglas, but he changed it in 1838. His father was Archibald Campbell, the 17th Laird of Mains.
Early Life and Military Adventures
When he was just 16, Archibald joined the 79th Highlanders, a famous Scottish army regiment. He fought in the Crimean War in 1855, where he was badly hurt. After that, he moved to another regiment called the Scots Fusilier Guards. He worked his way up to become a lieutenant-colonel.
In 1864, he married Augusta Clementina Carrington in London. He left the army in 1868 after his father passed away.
A Life in Politics
Archibald Campbell also had a career in politics. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Renfrewshire from 1873 to 1874. Later, he represented West Renfrewshire from 1885 to 1892.
He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire from 1904 to 1908. This role meant he was the Queen's representative in that area. In 1880, he was given the special title of Baronet of Blythswood. He even served as an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria, which meant he was a personal assistant to the Queen.
He received an honorary doctorate of Law from the University of Glasgow in 1888. He was also made a Freeman of the City of Glasgow. This is a special honor given to important people.
A Brilliant Scientist and Inventor
Archibald Campbell was a very talented scientist. In 1874, he traveled all the way to Thebes with his wife to watch a rare event called the Transit of Venus. This is when Venus passes directly in front of the Sun. He used special telescopes to observe it. He even noticed a white glow around Venus, which helped prove that the planet has an atmosphere.
From 1892 to 1905, he had his own laboratory called the Blythswood Laboratory. Here, he did many exciting experiments in physics. He studied things like cathode rays, X-rays, spectroscopy (studying light), and radioactivity.
He also designed a speed indicator that was used on ships in the Royal Navy. He even studied how well aerial propellers worked. This was years before the Wright Brothers made their first successful powered flight in 1903!
Studying Venus and New Discoveries
Lord Blythswood was very interested in space. His trip to Egypt to see Venus was a big deal. He used his scientific tools to learn more about our solar system. His work helped scientists understand more about planets.
Inventions for Ships and Flight
His inventions were very practical. The speed indicator helped navy ships move more efficiently. His research into propellers showed he was thinking about future technologies, like airplanes, long before they became common.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1907, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists.
He was also closely involved with the 3rd (The Blythswood) Volunteer Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry. He was their commanding Colonel and later an Honorary Colonel.
Archibald Campbell died at his home, Blythswood House, in Renfrewshire on July 8, 1908, when he was 73 years old. He was buried on July 11, 1908, in Inchinnan. He did not have any children. His special title of baronet ended with him, but his title of Baron Blythswood passed to his younger brothers.
Images for kids
-
Memorial in St Nicholas, Shepperton
_(geograph_6239987).jpg)
See also
