Frederick Maitland, 14th Earl of Lauderdale facts for kids

Frederick Colin Maitland (born April 12, 1868 – died September 14, 1931) was a Scottish nobleman and a big landowner. He was known as Viscount Maitland before he became the 14th Earl of Lauderdale. He served in two major wars: the Second Boer War and the First World War.

As a Scottish representative peer, he had a special role in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He held this position from 1929 until he passed away.

Life of Frederick Colin Maitland

Early Life and Military Service

Frederick Colin Maitland was the older son of the 13th Earl of Lauderdale. His mother was Charlotte Sleigh. He started his military career in 1886, joining the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Later, he moved to the 2nd Dragoons in 1887 and then to the Scots Guards in 1894. He retired from the army as a lieutenant.

When the Second Boer War began in 1899, he volunteered to serve in South Africa. He was part of the Imperial Yeomanry. He served there from 1900 to 1901 and was recognized for his bravery. After returning, he worked at the Headquarters Staff from 1904 to 1908.

World War I and Later Years

Frederick Colin Maitland also served in the First World War (1914–1918). During this war, he was wounded. In 1919, he was awarded the OBE for his service.

In 1924, he became the 14th Earl of Lauderdale after his father passed away. He then moved to Thirlestane Castle, which is near Lauder in Scotland. In 1929, he was chosen to be a Scottish Representative Peer. This meant he had a seat in the House of Lords, helping to make laws for the country.

Family and Hobbies

In 1890, he married Gwendoline Lucy. She was the daughter of Judge Robert Vaughan-Williams. They had one son named Ian, who later became the 15th Earl of Lauderdale after his father's death in 1931.

Besides his military and public duties, Frederick Colin Maitland had a keen interest in photography. He became a member of the Royal Photographic Society in 1896. He showed his photographs in many exhibitions and also wrote about photography.

Honours and Recognition

Frederick Colin Maitland received several special honours during his life:

• He became a member of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms in 1903. This is a special bodyguard unit for the British monarch.
• He was also an Ensign of the Royal Company of Archers. This is the Queen's official bodyguard in Scotland.