John Griffin, 4th Baron Howard de Walden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Howard de Walden
|
|
|---|---|
John Griffin, 4th Baron Howard de Walden
|
|
| Born | 13 March 1719 Oundle, Northamptonshire |
| Died | 25 May 1797 (aged 78) Audley End House, Essex |
| Place of burial |
St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Saffron Walden
|
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1739–1797 |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Battles/wars | War of the Austrian Succession Seven Years' War |
| Awards | Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath |
_Arms.png)
Field Marshal John Griffin Griffin, 4th Baron Howard de Walden, 1st Baron Braybrooke (born John Whitwell) was an important British soldier and nobleman. He was born on March 13, 1719, and passed away on May 25, 1797.
He started his military career as a junior officer. He fought with the British army in Europe during the War of the Austrian Succession. Later, he became a commander during the Seven Years' War. He led brigades in battles like Corbach and Warburg. He was even wounded in the Battle of Kloster Kampen. John Griffin Griffin eventually reached the highest military rank: Field Marshal.
Contents
Who Was John Griffin Griffin?
John Griffin Griffin was born as John Griffin Whitwell. His father was William Whitwell. His mother, Anne Griffin, was the sister of Edward Griffin, 3rd Baron Griffin of Braybrooke. This family connection was very important for his future.
His Early Military Days
John Whitwell went to Winchester College for his education. In 1739, he joined the army. He became an ensign in the 3rd regiment of Foot Guards. He also held the rank of lieutenant in the wider Army.
He served with the British army in the Netherlands and Germany. This was during a big conflict called the War of the Austrian Succession. In March 1744, he was promoted. He became a captain in his regiment. At the same time, he was made a lieutenant colonel in the Army.
A New Name and a Political Role
In 1749, John Whitwell's aunt, Elizabeth, Countess of Portsmouth, made him an offer. She owned a large estate called Audley End House. She agreed to leave it to him if he changed his last name to Griffin. So, in 1749, he officially changed his name. This was done through a special law called an Act of Parliament. He became John Griffin Griffin.
After changing his name, he also entered politics. In November 1749, he became a Member of Parliament for the area of Andover. His military career continued to advance. He was promoted to colonel in 1756. In 1759, he became a major-general. He also took command of different regiments, including the 50th Regiment of Foot and the 33rd Regiment of Foot.
Fighting in the Seven Years' War
John Griffin Griffin played a key role in the Seven Years' War. In July 1760, he commanded a group of soldiers called a brigade. This was during the Battle of Corbach. The allied army had to retreat after French soldiers arrived.
Later that same month, he led his brigade again. This was at the Battle of Warburg. This time, the allied army was more successful. In October 1760, he was present at the Battle of Kloster Kampen. He was wounded during this battle.
Later Life and Honors
In 1761, John Griffin Griffin received a special honor. He was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath. This is a very important award. When his aunt died in 1762, he fully inherited Audley End House.
He continued to rise through the military ranks. In 1765, he became a lieutenant-general. In 1778, he was promoted to full general. During the end of the American Revolutionary War, he supported a politician named William Pitt the Younger.
Pitt helped Griffin gain more honors. In 1784, he became the 4th Baron Howard de Walden. This meant he joined the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He also became the Lord Lieutenant of Essex. This was an important local government role.
In 1788, he was given another title: 1st Baron Braybrooke. Finally, in 1796, he reached the highest military rank. He became a field marshal. John Griffin Griffin passed away at his home, Audley End House, in 1797. He was buried in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin church.
Family Life
John Griffin Griffin was married twice. In 1749, he married Anna Maria Schutz. Later, in 1765, he married Catherine Clayton. He did not have any children from either marriage.
Images for kids
-
Plan of the Battle of Warburg where Griffin led his brigade to victory
