Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore facts for kids
Charles Adolphus Murray (born March 24, 1841 – died August 27, 1907) was known as the 7th Earl of Dunmore. From his birth until 1845, he was called Viscount Fincastle. He was a Scottish nobleman, a politician for the Conservative Party, an explorer, a writer, and an artist.
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Early Life of Charles Murray
Charles Murray was born in London on March 24, 1841. He was the oldest son of Alexander Murray, 6th Earl of Dunmore and his wife, Catherine. His grandmother on his mother's side was Countess Catherine Woronzoff. She was the daughter of the Russian ambassador to Britain.
When Charles was just four years old, on July 16, 1845, he became the Earl of Dunmore after his father passed away. He went to school at Eton College, a famous school in England.
Charles Murray's Career and Adventures
Charles Murray had a very interesting career that involved politics, military service, and exciting travels.
Observing the American Civil War
He traveled to North America to watch the American Civil War. He went with several other British officers. During this trip, he explored parts of the United States and Canada, including southern Manitoba. He was also an artist and painted many watercolors of the places he saw.
Political Roles
In 1874, Charles Murray was chosen to be a Lord-in-waiting in Disraeli's government. This was a role where he helped the Queen and the government. He held this position until 1880.
In 1875, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Stirlingshire. This meant he was the King's official representative in that area of Scotland. He kept this important job until 1885.
Military Service
In 1882, he was made a lieutenant-colonel in the 1st Inverness-shire Rifle Volunteers. This group later became part of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, a famous Scottish army regiment. He retired from his military role in 1896.
Exploring the Pamir Mountains
Between 1892 and 1893, Charles Murray traveled through the eastern Pamirs all the way to Kashgar. The Pamir Mountains are a huge mountain range in Central Asia. His journey might have involved some kind of diplomacy or spying, but the exact details are not clear.
Dunmore, Alberta
In 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway named a place in Canada after him. This place is called Dunmore, Alberta, and it was named in his honor because of his travels and interest in the region.
Charles Murray's Family
Lord Dunmore married Lady Gertrude Coke on April 5, 1866. She was the third daughter of Thomas Coke, 2nd Earl of Leicester. They had six children together:
- Alexander Edward, who later became the 8th Earl of Dunmore (1871–1962)
- Lady Evelyn Cobbold (1867–1963)
- Lady Muriel (died 1946)
- Lady Grace (1873–1960)
- Lady Victoria Alexandrina (1877–1925)
- Lady Mildred (1878–1969)
