Lord Robert Somerset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lord Robert Edward Somerset
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| Member of Parliament for Monmouth, Gloucestershire and Cirencester |
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| In office 1801–1831 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 December 1776 Badminton |
| Died | 01 September 1842 (aged 65) London |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Louisa Augusta Courtenay |
| Children | 8, including Edward |
| Parents | Henry Somerset, 5th Duke of Beaufort Elizabeth Boscawen |
| Occupation | soldier |
General Lord Robert Edward Henry Somerset GCB (born December 19, 1776 – died September 1, 1842) was a brave British soldier. He fought in important wars like the Peninsular War and the War of the Seventh Coalition. These wars were a big part of European history.
Contents
A Life of Service: Lord Robert Somerset's Military Career
Robert Somerset was the third son of Henry Somerset, 5th Duke of Beaufort. His younger brother was Lord Raglan, who also became a famous soldier.
Early Army Days and Political Role
Robert joined the army in 1793, when he was just 16. He started in the 15th Light Dragoons. A year later, he became a captain. He then served as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant to a senior officer) for Prince Frederick, Duke of York. This was during the Dutch expedition of 1799. After this, he was promoted to major.
By 1800, he was a lieutenant-colonel. In 1801, he took command of the 4th Dragoons regiment. Besides his military career, he also served in the House of Commons. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for different areas, including Monmouth and Gloucestershire.
Key Battles and Achievements
Lord Somerset led his regiment in major battles like Talavera and Buçaco. In 1810, he became a colonel and an aide-de-camp to the king.
In 1811, his 4th Dragoons fought bravely at Usagre. A year later, he was part of a huge cavalry charge at the Battle of Salamanca. During this battle, he showed great courage. He captured five enemy cannons with just one squadron of soldiers. This brave act earned him another promotion. He continued to fight as a major-general, leading the Hussar brigade.
Honors and Recognition
At the Orthes, he was praised for chasing the enemy. He was made a Knight Commander of the Bath (KCB). He also received special thanks from the British Parliament.
His most famous moment was at the Waterloo in 1815. He commanded the Household Cavalry Brigade. His brigade held strong against heavy enemy fire. They then made a famous charge against the French cuirassiers (heavy cavalry).
Wellington, the famous general, mentioned Lord Somerset's bravery in his reports. He again received thanks from Parliament. He also earned the Army Gold Cross for his service in several battles. These included Talavera, Salamanca, Vitoria, Orthez, and Toulouse. He received other honors too, like the Military Order of Maria Theresa.
A Close Call at Waterloo
During the first cavalry charge at Waterloo, Lord Somerset lost his hat. While searching for it, a cannonball flew by. It tore off a part of his coat and sadly killed his horse. He was later awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Bath (GCB) in 1834.
Later Life and Memorials
Lord Robert Edward Somerset passed away in London on September 1, 1842, after a short illness. He was buried in the church of St. George's, Hanover Square.
A special memorial tablet for him is on the wall of St. Michael and All Angels, Great Badminton. This church is near his family's home, Badminton House.
There is also a large monument called the 'Somerset Monument'. It stands high on the Cotswold Edge at Hawkesbury, Gloucestershire. This monument was built in 1846 and honors General Lord Robert Somerset.
Family Life
On October 17, 1805, Lord Robert Somerset married Lady Louisa Augusta Courtenay. She was the daughter of William Courtenay, 8th Earl of Devon. They had eight children together: three sons and five daughters.
Their children included:
- Robert Henry Somerset (1806–1807)
- Louisa Isabella Somerset (1807–1888)
- Frances Caroline Somerset (1808–1890)
- Blanche Somerset (1811–1879)
- Matilda Elizabeth Somerset (1815 – 1905)
- Lieutenant-General Edward Arthur Somerset (1817–1886)
- Georgina Emily Somerset (born 1819)
- Augustus Charles Stapleton Somerset (1821–1854)
