George Stewart, 8th Earl of Galloway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Admiral The Right Honourable
The Earl of Galloway
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George Stewart wearing the naval uniform of post-captain. Watercolour on ivory by Anne Mee.
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| Member of Parliament for Haslemere |
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| In office 1806 – November 1806 |
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| Preceded by | George Wood |
| Succeeded by | Robert Plumer Ward |
| Member of Parliament for Cockermouth |
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| In office 22 July 1805 – 1806 |
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| Preceded by | James Graham |
| Succeeded by | John Lowther |
| Member of Parliament for Saltash |
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| In office 1790 – February 1795 |
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| Preceded by | John Lemon |
| Succeeded by | William Stewart |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 March 1768 |
| Died | 27 March 1834 (aged 66) |
| Political party | Tory |
| Spouse | Lady Jane Paget |
| Children | 8 |
| Parents | John Stewart, 7th Earl of Galloway Anne Dashwood |
| Alma mater | Westminster School |
| Awards | Order of the Thistle |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Great Britain United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1781–1806 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands |
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| Battles/wars | |
Admiral George Stewart, 8th Earl of Galloway (born March 24, 1768 – died March 27, 1834) was an important British naval officer and politician. He was known as Lord Garlies before he became the Earl of Galloway in 1806.
Contents
George Stewart was the oldest son of John Stewart, 7th Earl of Galloway. His mother was Anne Dashwood. He went to Westminster School when he was young. After school, he decided to join the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy.
George Stewart joined the navy at a very young age, just 13 years old. He started as a midshipman, which is a junior officer rank. He served under his uncle, Commodore Keith Stewart.
First Battles and Promotions
His first big experience was at the Battle of Dogger Bank in August 1781. He also took part in the Great Siege of Gibraltar in 1782. These were important events during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1789, he was promoted to lieutenant. He served on the frigate HMS Aquilon in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1790, he became the commander of a fire ship called HMS Vulcan.
Adventures at Sea: His Military Career
George Stewart became a post-captain in April 1793. This was a significant promotion. Soon after, he took command of the frigate HMS Winchelsea. He served in the West Indies.
Serving in the West Indies
In April 1794, he was wounded while helping soldiers land during the invasion of Guadeloupe. He then helped accept the surrender of the islands of Marie-Galante and La Désirade.
In 1795, he took command of HMS Lively. He sailed with Sir John Jervis to the Mediterranean. He led a group of four frigates and a sloop.
In January 1797, he fought against the Spanish ship San Francisco de Asís. He had to pull back from this fight. He continued to serve in the area until the Battle of Cape St Vincent in February 1797. After this victory, HMS Lively carried important people back to England.
Around November 1799, George Stewart took command of HMS Hussar. He served in the English Channel and near Ireland. During this time, his ship captured and recaptured several other ships. For example, in May 1800, HMS Hussar helped recapture the ship Princess Charlotte. In March 1801, they captured the French schooner Le General Bessieres.
Later Commands and Promotions
In early 1801, he moved to command HMS Bellerophon. He helped blockade the port of Brest. This lasted until the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, which brought a short period of peace.
When fighting started again in May 1803, he commanded HMS Ajax. He also served on the Board of Admiralty from May 1805 to February 1806. This board was in charge of the Royal Navy.
George Stewart did not serve actively at sea after this. However, he continued to be promoted. He became a Rear-Admiral in July 1810, a Vice Admiral in August 1819, and finally a full Admiral in July 1830.
A Life in Politics
Besides his naval career, George Stewart was also a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the government.
Serving in Parliament
He was first elected as an MP in 1790 for the area of Saltash. He served until 1795, when his brother William took his place.
He returned to Parliament in July 1805, representing Cockermouth. Then, after the 1806 election, he represented Haslemere.
Moving to the House of Lords
However, he soon had to leave his seat in the House of Commons. This was because his father died in November 1806. When his father passed away, George Stewart became the 8th Earl of Galloway. This meant he moved to the House of Lords, which is the upper house of the UK Parliament.
He also held other important roles. He was the Lord Lieutenant of Kirkcudbright from 1794 to 1807, and again from 1820 to 1828. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Wigtownshire from 1807 to 1828. A Lord Lieutenant is the King's or Queen's personal representative in a county.
In May 1814, he was made a member of the Order of the Thistle. This is a very important award in Scotland. He also served as a vice-president of the Board of Agriculture in 1815.
Family Life
In April 1797, George Stewart married Lady Jane Paget. She was the daughter of Henry Paget, 1st Earl of Uxbridge. Her brother was Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey.
They had eight children together:
- Lady Jane Stewart (1798–1844), who married George Spencer-Churchill, 6th Duke of Marlborough.
- Lady Caroline Stewart (1799–1857)
- Hon Randolph Stewart (1800–1873), who later became the 9th Earl of Galloway.
- Lady Louisa Stewart (1804–1889), who married William Duncombe, 2nd Baron Feversham.
- Hon Arthur Stewart (1805–1806)
- Hon Alan Stewart (1807–1808)
- Lady Helen Stewart (1810–1813)
- Vice Admiral Hon Keith Stewart (1814–1879), who also became a naval officer.
