George Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Pembroke
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| Governor of Guernsey | |
| In office 1807–1827 |
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| Preceded by | The Earl Grey |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Keppel |
| Member of Parliament for Wilton |
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| In office 1788–1794 |
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| Preceded by | William Gerard Hamilton Philip Goldsworthy |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount FitzWilliam Philip Goldsworthy |
| In office 1780–1785 |
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| Preceded by | Hon. Henry Herbert Charles Herbert |
| Succeeded by | William Gerard Hamilton Philip Goldsworthy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 September 1759 Wilton House, Wilton, Great Britain |
| Died | 26 October 1827 (aged 68) Pembroke House, London, United Kingdom |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouses |
Elizabeth Beauclerk
(m. 1787; Countess Catherine Vorontsov
(m. 1808) |
| Children | 10, including 12th Earl of Pembroke 1st Baron Herbert of Lea Countess of Dunmore |
| Parents | Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke Elizabeth Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery |
| Relatives | 3rd Duke of Marlborough (grandfather) |
| Education | Harrow School |
| Military service | |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | 2nd and 3rd Dragoon Guards 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars: • Siege of Valenciennes |
George Augustus Herbert (born September 10, 1759 – died October 26, 1827) was an important English nobleman, army officer, and politician. He held the titles of the 11th Earl of Pembroke and 8th Earl of Montgomery. He was also known as a General in the army.
Contents
Early Life and Family
George Augustus Herbert was born at Wilton House in Wilton. This was his family's home. He was the only son of Henry Herbert, who was the 10th Earl of Pembroke. His mother was Elizabeth. She was the second daughter of Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough. George had a younger sister named Charlotte, but she sadly passed away at age 10.
He received his education at home. Later, from 1770 to 1775, he attended Harrow School. Through his grandmother, Mary FitzWilliam, he inherited a lot of land in Dublin.
A Life in the Army
After leaving school, George Herbert joined the army in 1775. He started as an ensign in the 12th Regiment of Foot. For the next five years, he traveled across Europe. He visited countries like France, Austria, Russia, and Italy.
He quickly moved up the ranks in the army. In 1777, he became a lieutenant. By 1778, he was a captain in the 75th Regiment of Foot. He then moved to the 1st The Royal Dragoons. In 1781, he joined the 22nd Light Dragoons. The next year, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in the 2nd Dragoon Guards.
Fighting in Europe
When the French Revolutionary Wars began, George Herbert was sent to Flanders. He commanded the 2nd and 3rd Dragoon Guards. He also worked with the armies from Prussia and Austria. He took part in the Siege of Valenciennes (1793). This was a major battle. Later that year, he captured an enemy post near Dunkirk.
A Career in Politics
In 1780, George Herbert became a Member of Parliament for Wilton. This was his family's local area. He joined the Whig group, which was against the government at the time. He held this position until 1784.
He was then given an important job as Vice-Chamberlain of the Household. He also became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen. He was a Member of Parliament for Wilton again from 1788 to 1794. In 1794, he inherited his father's titles and land. He also took over his father's role as Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire.
Important Roles Later in Life
In 1795, George Herbert was promoted to major-general in the army. In 1797, he became the colonel of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons. He continued to rise in rank. In 1802, he became a lieutenant-general. In 1805, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is a very special honor.
In 1807, he went on a special mission to Austria. He was a plenipotentiary, meaning he had full power to represent his country. That same year, he was appointed Governor of Guernsey. This was a very important role. Finally, in 1812, he was promoted to the highest army rank, General.
Family Life
George Herbert was married two times. His first marriage was on April 8, 1787, to Elizabeth Beauclerk. She was his first cousin. They had four children together:
- George Herbert (1788–1793), who sadly passed away at age 5.
- Lady Diana Herbert (1790–1841).
- Robert Herbert, 12th Earl of Pembroke (1791–1862).
- Hon. Charles Herbert (1793–1798).
His second marriage was on January 25, 1808. He married Countess Catherine Semyonovna Vorontsova. She was the daughter of a famous Russian diplomat. They had six children:
- Lady Elizabeth Herbert (1809–1858).
- Sidney Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Lea (1810–1861).
- Lady Mary Herbert (1813–1892).
- Lady Catherine Herbert (1814–1886).
- Lady Georgiana Herbert (1817–1841).
- Lady Emma Herbert (1819–1884).
Lord Pembroke passed away on October 26, 1827, at his home in London. He was buried in Wilton.
