George Keppel, 3rd Earl of Albemarle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Earl of Albemarle
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George Keppel, 3rd Earl of Albemarle, Francis Cotes
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| Born | 8 April 1724 London, England, Great Britain |
| Died | 13 October 1772 (aged 48) London, England, Great Britain |
| Allegiance |  Great Britain |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1745-1762 |
| Rank | Colonel General |
| Commands held | 3rd (The King's Own) Regiment of Dragoons |
| Battles/wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Miller |
George Keppel, 3rd Earl of Albemarle (born April 8, 1724 – died October 13, 1772) was a British general and a nobleman. He was known as Viscount Bury until 1754. He is most famous for his big victory against the Spanish during the capture of Havana in 1762. This battle was part of the Seven Years' War.
Contents
Early Life and Family
George Keppel came from a rich and powerful Dutch family. His family moved to England in the 1600s after the Glorious Revolution. His father was Willem van Keppel, 2nd Earl of Albemarle. His mother was Lady Anne Lennox. This made him a great-grandson of King Charles II of England.
Starting a Military Career
George began his military journey in the Dutch States Army. He fought against the French. In 1745, he took part in the Battle of Fontenoy. He served as an aide to Prince William, Duke of Cumberland during this time.
Military Achievements
George Keppel joined the Coldstream Guards as an ensign in 1738. By 1741, at age 17, he became a captain-lieutenant in the 1st The Royal Dragoons. He was promoted to captain and lieutenant-colonel in 1745. The next year, he became a colonel and an aide-de-camp to King George II of Great Britain.
Key Battles and Promotions
Keppel fought in the Battle of Culloden alongside his father. After the battle, he carried the news of the victory to London.
In 1746, he became a Member of Parliament for Chichester. He also served as a Lord of the Bedchamber to the Duke of Cumberland until 1765. In 1749, he was given command of the 20th Regiment of Foot.
When his father died in 1754, George became the 3rd Earl of Albemarle. His younger brother, Augustus, took his place as a Member of Parliament.
Leading During the Seven Years' War
On April 8, 1755, he became colonel of the 3rd (The King's Own) Regiment of Dragoons. He was promoted to major-general in 1756 and lieutenant-general in 1759. In 1761, he was made Governor of Jersey.
The Seven Years' War brought him back to active duty. In July 1762, he was chosen to lead an attack on Havana. This attack was a huge success. The British caused many casualties to the Spanish. They also captured 10 Spanish warships and many merchant ships. This big defeat for Spain helped end the war in favor of the British.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1765, Keppel was made a Knight of the Garter. He married Anne Miller in 1770. They had one son, William Charles.
He became a general in 1772 and passed away in October of that year.
Remembering George Keppel
Albemarle Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia is named after him.
See also
