George Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
The Marquess of Donegall
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| Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard | |
| In office 11 February 1848 – 21 February 1852 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Prime Minister | Lord John Russell |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Falkland |
| Succeeded by | The Lord de Ros |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 February 1797 Great Cumberland Place, London |
| Died | 20 October 1883 (aged 86) Brighton, Sussex |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Tory Whig |
| Spouses |
Harriet Butler
(m. 1822; died 1860)Harriet Graham
(m. 1862) |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
George Hamilton Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall (born 10 February 1797 – died 20 October 1883) was an important British and Irish nobleman and politician. He held several high-ranking positions in the British government and was a major landowner.
He was known by different titles during his life. From birth until 1799, he was called Viscount Chichester. From 1799 to 1844, he was known as the Earl of Belfast. In 1844, he became the Marquess of Donegall after his father passed away.
He served as the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household twice, from 1830 to 1834 and again from 1838 to 1841. He was also the Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard from 1848 to 1852. In 1841, he was given his own noble title, Baron Ennishowen and Carrickfergus. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Antrim, a representative of the monarch, from 1841 to 1883. In 1857, he became a Knight of St Patrick, which is a special honor.
Early Life and Education
George Hamilton Chichester was born in London on 10 February 1797. He was the oldest son of George Chichester, who later became the 2nd Marquess of Donegall. His mother was Anna May.
He went to school at Eton, a famous boarding school, and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford, a college at Oxford University. After his studies, he joined the army for a short time. He was a captain with the 11th Hussars, a cavalry regiment.
Political Career and Public Service
George Chichester began his political career in 1818. At that time, he was known as Lord Belfast. He was elected to the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament. He represented the area of Carrickfergus. Two years later, he became the representative for Belfast.
In 1830, he became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of advisors to the monarch. He was also appointed Vice-Chamberlain of the Household. This role involved managing the royal household. He held this position under different prime ministers, including The Duke of Wellington and Lord Grey.
In 1831, he received another honor, becoming a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order. He continued as Vice-Chamberlain until 1834. He returned to Parliament for Belfast in 1837 and became Vice-Chamberlain again in 1838.
In 1841, he was given a new noble title, Baron Ennishowen and Carrickfergus. This meant he could sit in the House of Lords, the other part of the British Parliament. Three years later, in 1844, he inherited the title of Marquess of Donegall after his father's death. This made him the 3rd Marquess of Donegall.
From 1848 to 1852, Lord Donegall served as the Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard. This role involved leading the monarch's ceremonial bodyguard. He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Antrim from 1841 until his death in 1883. This was a very important local position. In 1857, he was made a Knight of the Order of St Patrick, a special honor for people in Ireland.
Family Life
Lord Donegall married Lady Harriet Anne Butler in 1822. She was the daughter of the 1st Earl of Glengall. They had three children together:
- Lady Harriet Augusta Anna Seymourina Chichester (died 1898)
- George Augustus Chichester, Viscount Chichester (1826–1827)
- Frederick Richard Chichester, Earl of Belfast (1827–1853)
Sadly, both of his sons passed away before him. His first wife, Lady Harriet, died in 1860.
In 1862, Lord Donegall married his second wife, Harriett Graham. She was the widow of Sir Frederick Ashworth. They did not have any children together.
Lord Donegall passed away in Brighton, Sussex, in October 1883, at the age of 86. He was buried in Belfast. Since both of his sons had died before him, most of his large land holdings were inherited by his only daughter, Harriet. He owned about 23,000 acres of land, mainly in Donegal and Antrim.
The noble title of Baron Ennishowen and Carrickfergus ended when he died. However, his younger brother, Lord Edward Chichester, became the 4th Marquess of Donegall. His second wife, the Marchioness of Donegall, passed away in March 1884.
