George Orby Wombwell facts for kids
Sir George Orby Wombwell was an important British gentleman who lived a long time ago. He was known as the 4th Baronet, which means he held a special title passed down in his family. He was born on November 23, 1832, and passed away on October 16, 1913.
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Growing Up
George Orby Wombwell was born in 1832. His father was Sir George Wombwell, the 3rd Baronet. George went to two famous schools: Eton College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. These schools helped him prepare for a life in the military.
Military Service
George Wombwell joined the army in 1852. He became a junior officer, called a cornet, in a cavalry group known as the 17th Lancers. He also worked as an assistant to Lord Cardigan, a well-known military leader.
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Sir George Wombwell was a survivor of a very famous and dangerous event called the Charge of the Light Brigade. This happened during the Crimean War. During the charge, his horse was killed when he reached the enemy's cannons. He was pulled off his horse and captured by Russian soldiers. They took his sword and pistols.
However, George Wombwell was very brave and smart. He managed to escape! He found another horse that was running loose and rode it back to his own army's lines. Russian soldiers chased him closely, but he made it to safety.
Leaving the Army
Sir George Wombwell left the army in 1855 as a lieutenant. This was because his father passed away, and George inherited his family's title. He also inherited Newburgh Priory, a large estate in North Yorkshire. This estate included other properties like Over Silton Manor and High House. You can still see his initials, GOW, on one of the cottages at Over Silton Manor.
In 1861, he was given an important job called High Sheriff of Yorkshire. This role involved helping with law and order in the county.
Family Life
On September 3, 1861, Sir George Wombwell married Lady Julia Sarah Alice Child-Villiers. Her father was George Child-Villiers, 6th Earl of Jersey. George and Julia had five children: two sons and three daughters.
Sadly, both of their sons died while serving in the military:
- George Wombwell (1865–1889) was a lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. He passed away in India.
- Stephen Frederick Wombwell (1867–1901) was a lieutenant in the Yorkshire Hussars. He died from a fever in South Africa during the Second Boer War.
Their daughters were:
- Julia Georgiana Wombwell (born 1862) married twice. Her first husband was Vesey Dawson, 2nd Earl of Dartrey. Later, she married John St Aubyn, 2nd Baron St Levan.
- Mabel Caroline Wombwell (born 1863) married Henry Robert Hohler.
- Cecilia Clementina Wombwell (born 1864) married William Menzies.
Later Years
When Sir George Wombwell passed away on October 16, 1913, he was the very last surviving officer who had taken part in the famous Charge of the Light Brigade. He was buried in the churchyard at Coxwold. His title and his large 12,000-acre estate were passed on to his younger brother, Henry Herbert Wombwell.
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Images for kids
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Painting of Sir George Wombwell, 4th Baronet
A painting of Sir George Wombwell.
