George FitzClarence, 1st Earl of Munster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Munster
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George FitzClarence, 1st Earl of Munster
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| Born | George Augustus Frederick FitzClarence 29 January 1794 |
| Died | 20 March 1842 (aged 48) London, England |
| Noble family | FitzClarence |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary Wyndham
(m. 1819) |
| Issue |
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| Father | William IV |
| Mother | Dorothea Jordan |
| Occupation | Peer, soldier |
George Augustus Frederick FitzClarence, 1st Earl of Munster (born 29 January 1794 – died 20 March 1842) was an English nobleman and a soldier. He was the eldest son of William IV of the United Kingdom, who later became king, and his long-time partner Dorothea Jordan.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
George FitzClarence received a good education. However, his written English was not always perfect, much like some of his royal uncles. After his parents separated in 1811, he did not see his mother very often. Instead, he relied on his father for support and future opportunities.
He joined the army and served as an officer. He fought in the Peninsular War in Europe and later served in India. His father, William IV, was proud of George's military achievements. However, he was concerned about George's lifestyle, including his spending habits.
Becoming an Earl and Family Life
On 4 June 1831, George was given the titles Earl of Munster, Viscount FitzClarence, and Baron Tewkesbury. An Earl is a high-ranking nobleman. In 1833, he also became a Privy Councillor, which meant he advised the King. The title "Earl of Munster" had previously been used by his father before he became King.
George and his brothers and sisters felt that they had not been given enough support or recognition. This led to disagreements with his father, King William IV. These arguments caused a difficult relationship between them. The King was very sad about this situation. Those close to the King thought it was best for them to have little contact, as George's visits often upset his father. Even when George's sister, Sophia de L'Isle, who was the King's favourite child, passed away in 1837, they did not make up.
George FitzClarence became a major-general in the British Army. He also served as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to his father, King William IV, from 1830 to 1837. He held important positions like Lieutenant of the Tower of London (1831-1833) and Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle (1833-1842). After his father's death, he became an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1841. In 1841, he was chosen as the president of the Royal Asiatic Society, an organization that studies Asia.
Marriage and Children
George FitzClarence married Mary Wyndham on 18 October 1819. Mary was born on 29 August 1792 and passed away on 3 December 1842. They had seven children together:
- Lady Adelaide Georgiana FitzClarence (1820–1883); she never married.
- Lady Augusta Margaret FitzClarence (1822–1846); she married Baron Knut Philip Bonde in Paris in 1844. She passed away after childbirth in Sweden, leaving one daughter.
- William George FitzClarence, 2nd Earl of Munster (1824–1901).
- Hon Frederick Charles George FitzClarence (1826–1878); he married Adelaide Augusta Wilhelmine Sidney, who was his aunt Sophia FitzClarence's daughter. They did not have any children.
- Lady Mary Gertrude FitzClarence (c. 1832–1834); she passed away when she was a baby.
- Captain Hon George FitzClarence (1836–1894); he married Maria Henrietta Scott and had children, including Charles FitzClarence. He was the grandfather of the 6th Earl of Munster.
- Lieutenant Hon Edward FitzClarence (1837–1855); he never married. He passed away from injuries during the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War.
Death
George FitzClarence, the 1st Earl of Munster, passed away in London at the age of 48. His eldest son, William, inherited his titles and became the 2nd Earl of Munster.
His Writings
George FitzClarence was also interested in writing and studying. Here are some of his notable works:
- Memoirs of the Late War (1831); This book included his own experiences during the Peninsular War.
- Fahrasat al-kutub... (1840); This was a list of books he wanted to buy, focusing on the art of Islamic warfare. It was a catalogue of books in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hindustani.
- Meadows of gold and mines of gems (1841); This was an English translation of an important historical book by a tenth-century scholar named al-Masudi. George FitzClarence helped with this translation, especially with making the Arabic text sound natural in English.
