Charles Cathcart, 9th Lord Cathcart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Cathcart, 9th Lord Cathcart
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Lord Cathcart by Joshua Reynolds (1753–55) Manchester Art Gallery
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| Ambassador from Great Britain to Russia | |
| In office February 1768 – 1772 |
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| Preceded by | George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney |
| Succeeded by | Sir Robert Gunning, 1st Baronet |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 March 1721 |
| Died | 14 August 1776 (aged 55) |
| Citizenship | British |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Spouse | Jane Hamilton |
| Occupation | Diplomat, soldier |
| Nickname | Patch Cathcart |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Branch/service | British Army |
| Battles/wars | War of the Austrian Succession |
Lieutenant-General Charles Schaw Cathcart, 9th Lord Cathcart (born March 21, 1721 – died August 14, 1776) was an important British soldier and diplomat. He was also the leader of the Clan Cathcart, a famous Scottish family.
Contents
Life Story of Lord Cathcart
Early Life and Military Career
Charles Cathcart was born on March 21, 1721. His father was Charles Cathcart, 8th Lord Cathcart. Charles grew up not supporting the old royal family, the Stuarts.
He became a special assistant, called an aide-de-camp, to Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. In 1745, during the Battle of Fontenoy, he was shot in the face. A famous painting by Joshua Reynolds shows him covering the scar with a black silk patch. This is how he got his nickname, 'Patch Cathcart'.
The next year, at the Battle of Culloden, he was again helping the Duke of Cumberland. Charles was wounded in battle once more.
Family Estates and Honors
Charles was the last Lord Cathcart to inherit his family's estate called Sundrum. Later, he sold Sundrum in 1758. He also inherited another estate called Schawpark.
In 1763, he was given a special honor. He became a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. This is a very important award in Scotland.
Diplomatic Role in Russia
In August 1768, Lord Cathcart became the ambassador for Great Britain in St. Petersburg, Russia. An ambassador is a country's official representative in another country. He was welcomed by Catherine the Great, who was the Empress of Russia at the time. He worked at the Russian court until 1772.
After returning to Britain, he was chosen as the Rector of Glasgow University in 1773. This was an important role at the university.
In 1775, he hired a famous architect named Robert Adam to redesign his home, Schawpark. However, Lord Cathcart passed away on August 14, 1776, before the work was finished.
Family Life
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On July 24, 1753, Charles Cathcart married Jean Hamilton. She was the daughter of Captain Lord Archibald Hamilton.
Charles and Jean had nine children:
- Jane (born 1754 – died 1790)
- William Cathcart, 1st Earl Cathcart (born 1755 – died 1843)
- Mary Cathcart (born 1757 – died 1792), who was known for her beauty.
- Louisa (born 1758 – died 1843)
- Charles (born 1759 – died 1788)
- John (born 1761 – died 1762)
- Archibald (born 1764 – died 1841)
- A son who was stillborn in 1768.
- Catherine Charlotte (born 1770 – died 1794)
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Military Ranks
Lord Cathcart held several important military ranks during his career:
- Captain in 1742
- Colonel in 1750
- Major-General in 1758
- Lieutenant-General in 1760
