Archibald Douglas, 8th Marquess of Queensberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
The Marquess of Queensberry
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Memorial to the 8th Marquess (2nd row, 2nd from left, styled 7th Marquis there) outside the Douglas Family Mausoleum, Cummertrees
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| Comptroller of the Household | |
| In office 4 January 1853 – 25 July 1856 |
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| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Prime Minister | The Earl of Aberdeen The Viscount Palmerston |
| Preceded by | The Hon George Weld-Forester |
| Succeeded by | Viscount Castlerosse |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 April 1818 |
| Died | 6 August 1858 (aged 40) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | |
| Children |
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| Parents | John Douglas, 7th Marquess of Queensberry Sarah Douglas |
Archibald William Douglas, 8th Marquess of Queensberry (born April 18, 1818 – died August 6, 1858) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. From 1837 to 1856, he was known as Viscount Drumlanrig.
He held a special role called Comptroller of the Household from 1853 to 1856. This job meant he helped manage the royal household. He was also a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the British monarch.
Contents
Early Life
Archibald William Douglas was the son of John Douglas, 7th Marquess of Queensberry. His mother was Sarah Douglas. When his father became the Marquess of Queensberry in 1837, Archibald received the special title of Viscount Drumlanrig. This is a "courtesy title" given to the eldest son of a Marquess.
Sports and Hobbies
Besides his political life, Archibald Douglas also enjoyed sports. He played first-class cricket for the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1841. This was a high level of cricket at the time.
Political Career
In 1847, Lord Drumlanrig was elected to Parliament for the area of Dumfriesshire. This meant he became a Member of Parliament (MP).
In 1853, he joined the Privy Council. He was also given the role of Comptroller of the Household. He served in this role until 1856. During this time, the Prime Ministers were Lord Aberdeen and later Lord Palmerston.
In 1856, he became the Marquess of Queensberry after his father passed away. However, because this was a Scottish title, it did not automatically give him a seat in the House of Lords. He left the House of Commons (the main part of Parliament) in 1857.
He also served as the Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfriesshire from 1850 to 1858. This was a representative of the monarch in his home county.
Family Life
Lord Queensberry married Caroline Margaret Clayton in 1840. They had six children together:
- Lady Gertrude Georgina Douglas (died 1893) became a writer.
- John Sholto Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry (1844–1900) is famous for creating the Marquess of Queensberry rules. These rules became the foundation for modern boxing.
- Lord Francis William Bouverie Douglas (1847–1865) was an adventurous climber. He was part of the first group to successfully climb the Matterhorn mountain.
- Reverend Lord Archibald Edward Douglas (1850–1938).
- Lady Florence Caroline Douglas (1855–1905) was a twin. She became a well-known war correspondent, travel writer, and a supporter of women's rights.
- Lord James Edward Sholto Douglas (1855–1891) was Lady Florence's twin brother.
Later Life and Death
Lord Queensberry passed away in August 1858 when he was forty years old. He died during a hunting trip. His death was officially reported as being caused by his gun exploding.
He was buried in his family's burial ground at Gooley Hill, near Kinmount House. His wife, the Marchioness of Queensberry, passed away in February 1904.
Images for kids
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Memorial to the 8th Marquess (2nd row, 2nd from left, styled 7th Marquis there) outside the Douglas Family Mausoleum, Cummertrees
