Archibald Leslie-Melville, 13th Earl of Leven facts for kids
Archibald Alexander Leslie-Melville (born August 6, 1890, died January 15, 1947) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier. He held the titles of the 13th Earl of Leven and 12th Earl of Melville. He was also known as a Knight of the Thistle, which is a very special honor.
Early Life and Military Service
Archibald Leslie-Melville went to important schools. He studied at Oxford University. He also trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, which is a famous place for army officers. He was a good polo player, even playing for Oxford University.
He served as a soldier during World War I. He was hurt during the war. He became a Captain in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, which is a Scottish army regiment. Later, he became a Lieutenant-Colonel and then a Brevet Colonel in the Lovat Scouts.
Public Service and Contributions
Archibald Leslie-Melville was a Representative peer for Scotland. This meant he was chosen to represent Scottish noble families in the British Parliament. He held this important role from 1927 until 1947.
In 1934, he received the Order of the Thistle. This is one of the highest honors given in Scotland. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Nairnshire from 1935 to 1947. A Lord Lieutenant is the King's or Queen's personal representative in a county.
He also loved art. In 1920, he gave his collection of 19th-century drawings and watercolors to the Bodleian Library. These artworks showed scenes from Great Britain and Italy.
Family
Archibald Leslie-Melville married Lady Rosamond Sylvia Diana Mary Foljambe on September 3, 1918. She passed away on April 12, 1974. They had five children together:
- Lady Jean Elizabeth Leslie Melville (born June 25, 1921 – died March 8, 2010)
- Alexander Robert Leslie-Melville, 14th Earl of Leven (born May 13, 1924 – died April 7, 2012)
- Hon. George David Leslie Melville (born May 13, 1924 – died June 23, 1997)
- Hon. Ronald Joscelyn Leslie Melville (born November 22, 1926 – died 1987)
- Hon. Alan Duncan Leslie Melville (born October 11, 1928 – died October 26, 2019)
