Hugh Elliot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Elliot
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| Governor of the Leeward Islands | |
| In office 1809–1814 |
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| Governor of Madras | |
| In office 1814–1820 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 April 1752 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 1 December 1830 (aged 78) Somerset Street, London |
| Resting place | Westminster Abbey, London |
| Spouses | Charlotte Louisa von Kraut (1778–1783) Margaret Jones (−1819) |
| Children | 10 |
| Parents | Sir Gilbert Elliot, 3rd Baronet, of Minto Agnes Dalrymple-Murray-Kynymound |
| Profession | Diplomat |
Hugh Elliot (born April 6, 1752 – died December 1, 1830) was an important British diplomat. He later became a colonial governor, which means he was in charge of British territories far from home.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hugh Elliot was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on April 6, 1752. He was the second son of Sir Gilbert Elliot. His older brother was Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, who later became the 1st Earl of Minto.
Hugh and Gilbert studied together when they were young. From 1764 to 1766, they lived in Paris, France. There, they were taught by a famous Scottish thinker named David Hume. Hugh also became good friends with a French count named Mirabeau.
In 1768, when he was 16, Hugh started studying at Christ Church, University of Oxford. But he left after only two years. He went to Metz, France, to finish his military training.
After his training, at just 18 years old, Hugh Elliot joined the Russian army as an officer. He fought in a war against the Turks in the Balkans. It is said that during this time, he once had to swim in the Danube River, holding onto a horse's tail!
A Career in Diplomacy
When Hugh was 21, he started his career as a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He became the British Minister to the Duchy of Bavaria, a state in Germany. His father helped him get this important job.
Four years later, he was named the British ambassador to Frederick the Great in Prussia. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat. Hugh became known for his cleverness and wit in social situations. He worked hard to protect British interests during the American Revolutionary War.
Hugh Elliot then served in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1782 to 1791. During this time, his reputation grew. He was praised for helping to prevent a war between Sweden and Denmark. He also helped Gustav III bring back absolute rule in Sweden.
In 1792, Elliot was appointed as the British ambassador to the Electorate of Saxony in Dresden, Germany. Around this time, he married his second wife, Margaret Jones. She was 20 years younger than him.
In 1803, Elliot was sent to Naples, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Naples in Italy. He worked there during a very difficult and unstable period until 1806. After he returned, his family faced financial problems for three years because he didn't have a new job.
Governor and Advocate for Change
In 1809, Hugh Elliot was appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands in the British West Indies. He held this position until 1814.
Elliot was a strong supporter of abolitionism. This was a movement to end slavery. While he was Governor of the Leeward Islands, he played a key role in the arrest and trial of Arthur Hodge. Hodge was executed for the murder of a slave in the British Virgin Islands. Hugh's brother-in-law, William Eden, also helped pass the Slave Trade Act 1807. This law made the slave trade illegal in the British Empire.
In 1814, he became a Privy Counsellor. This is a group of advisors to the British monarch. From 1814 to 1820, Elliot served as Governor of Madras in India.
Family Life
Hugh Elliot was married twice:
- His first marriage was in 1778 to Charlotte von Kraut. They had one daughter:
* Isabella Elliot (married George Payne in 1810, died 1826)
- His second marriage was around 1792 to Margaret Jones. She passed away in 1819. They had nine children:
* Theodore Henry Elliot (died 1842) * Emma Elliot (died 1866), who married Sir Thomas Hislop, 1st Baronet * Edward Francis Elliot (died 1866) * Caroline Elliot * Hugh Maximilian Elliot (born around 1798 – died 1826 in Calcutta, India) * Harriet Agnes Elliot (died 1845), who married Admiral Sir James Hanway Plumridge * Gilbert Elliot (born 1800 – died 1891) * Charles Elliot (born 1801 – died 1875) * Thomas Frederick Elliot (born 1808 – died 1880), who worked for the government on emigration.
Some people thought the ship Lady Elliot and Lady Elliot Island in Australia were named after Margaret Elliot. However, it is more likely they were named after Anna Maria Elliot. She was the wife of Hugh's brother, Gilbert, who was the Governor-General of India.
Later Years and Legacy
Hugh Elliot passed away at his home in London on December 1, 1830. He was buried at Westminster Abbey in London, alongside his brother.
See also
- Earl of Minto
Sources
- The Hanging of Arthur Hodge, John Andrews (ISBN: 0-7388-1931-X)
