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David William Murray, 3rd Earl of Mansfield facts for kids

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The Earl of Mansfield
Mansfield (BM 1915,0720.2).jpg
Portrait of David William Murray, 3rd Earl of Mansfield,wearing peer's fur-trimmed robe
Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire
In office
4 May 1803 – 18 February 1840
Preceded by The Lord Cathcart
Succeeded by George Abercromby
Personal details
Born
David William Murray

7 March 1777 (1777-03-07)
Paris, France
Died 18 February 1840 (1840-02-19) (aged 62)
Leamington, United Kingdom
Nationality British
Spouse
(m. 1797)
Children 9
Parents David Murray, 2nd Earl of Mansfield
Louisa Murray, 2nd Countess of Mansfield

David William Murray, 3rd Earl of Mansfield (born 7 March 1777 – died 18 February 1840) was an important British army officer and a peer. A peer is a person who holds a noble title, like an Earl. He was also a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, which is a special honor.

Mansfield served as the Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire from 1803 until he passed away. A Lord Lieutenant is the King or Queen's personal representative in a county or area.

About His Family

David William Murray was born in Paris, France, in 1777. His parents were David Murray and Louisa. His father was the 7th Viscount Stormont at the time.

In 1792, David's father became the Earl of Mansfield. This title was created by his uncle, William Murray. David himself became the 3rd Earl of Mansfield in 1796. He also inherited Kenwood House in London, a large estate.

Marriage and Children

On 16 September 1797, Mansfield married Frederica Markham. She was the daughter of William Markham, who was the Archbishop of York.

They had nine children together:

  • Lady Frederica Louisa Murray (1800–1823)
  • Lady Elizabeth Anne Murray (born 1803)
  • Lady Caroline Murray (born 1805)
  • William David (1806–1898), who later became the 4th Earl of Mansfield.
  • Lady Georgina Catherine Murray (born 1807)
  • Honourable Charles John Murray (born 1810)
  • Honourable David Henry Murray (born 1811)
  • Lady Cecilia Sarah Murray (1814–1830)
  • Lady Emily Murray (1816–1902)

Education and Career

Lord Ellenborough, Lord Brougham and the Earl of Mansfield w Wellcome V0050239
The Three Singles. This is a funny drawing of Mansfield with two other important people, Lord Ellenborough and Lord Brougham, made in 1838.

David William Murray studied at Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university. He earned a degree called Doctor of Civil Law in 1793.

Military Service

He joined the Militia, which was a military force made up of citizens. In 1798, he became a Colonel of the East Middlesex Militia. Later, in 1803, he moved to the Royal Perth Militia.

Public Service and Honors

Mansfield was the Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire from 1803 until his death. This was a very important role, representing the monarch in that area of Scotland.

In 1835, he was chosen to be a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. This is one of the highest honors in Scotland, given by the monarch.

He was also a member of two important groups that focused on learning and history:

  • The Royal Society (elected in 1802), which is a very old and respected group for scientists.
  • The Society of Antiquaries of London, which studies old things and history.

Mansfield passed away in Leamington on 18 February 1840. He is buried in St Andrew's Churchyard in Kingsbury, London.

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