Frederick Charles Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern facts for kids

Frederick Charles Ferdinand was a duke from the House of Guelph. He was born in Brunswick on April 5, 1729, and passed away in Glücksburg on April 27, 1809. He became a high-ranking military leader, known as a field marshal, in Denmark. He was also the very last Duke of Brunswick-Bevern.

Early Life and Military Career

Frederick Charles Ferdinand was the son of Duke Ernest Ferdinand and Eleanor Charlotte of Courland. In 1742, when he was just 13, he joined the Dutch army as a captain. He fought in two military campaigns in 1745 and 1746.

After his time with the Dutch army, he joined the Brunswick army. He also volunteered to serve in the imperial army. During the War of the Austrian Succession, he led a regiment called the Both'sche regiment. He was guided by his uncle, Louis Ernest.

Rising Through the Ranks

After the war ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748), Frederick Charles Ferdinand returned to the Dutch army. There, he was promoted to Major General in 1754. This was a big step up in his military career.

The Seven Years' War

When the Seven Years' War began, Frederick Charles Ferdinand traveled to Dresden in late 1756. King Frederick II of Prussia gave him command of a Saxon infantry regiment. However, his soldiers refused to obey orders and ran away. King Frederick blamed Frederick Charles Ferdinand for this.

He left the Prussian army in 1759. He then joined the British army. He fought in the Battle of Minden on August 1, 1759, alongside his cousin, Ferdinand.

Service in Denmark

After his time with the British, he joined the Danish army. He quickly rose through the ranks there. In 1761, he became a Lieutenant General. The next year, in 1762, he was put in charge of the Guards on Foot. By 1764, he was named Inspector General of the Infantry.

His career in Denmark continued to grow. In 1766, he became the governor of Rendsburg. Later, in 1773, he was appointed governor of Copenhagen.

Becoming a Duke

In 1781, Frederick Charles Ferdinand's older brother, August William, passed away. This meant Frederick Charles Ferdinand inherited Brunswick-Bevern. He also became the provost of St. Blaise and the St. Cyriacus Abbey in Brunswick. A provost is a high-ranking church official.

With permission from the King of Denmark, he moved to Glücksburg Castle. The King of Denmark also promoted him to field marshal in 1782. This was the highest military rank.

Marriage and Later Life

On October 26, 1782, Frederick Charles Ferdinand married Princess Anna Caroline. She was the daughter of Prince William Henry. Anna Caroline had been married before to Duke Frederick Henry William of Schleswig-Holstein-Glücksburg.

In 1793, he started a special fund to help poor people in his capital city, Bevern. This showed his care for his people. Later, in 1806, when Napoleon's troops took over Brunswick, Frederick Charles Ferdinand offered a safe place for the sons of Duke Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel.

Frederick Charles Ferdinand passed away in 1809. He did not have any children. Because of this, the Brunswick-Bevern family line ended with him. Brunswick-Bevern then became part of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel again.