Lord George Beresford facts for kids

Lord George Thomas Beresford (born February 12, 1781 – died October 26, 1839) was an important figure in British history. He was a soldier, a courtier (someone who served in the royal court), and a politician. He was known for being a member of the Tory political party. One of his main jobs was serving as the Comptroller of the Household from 1812 to 1830. This role meant he managed the royal household's expenses and staff.

Early Life and Family Background

Lord George Beresford came from a well-known family. He was the fourth son of George Beresford, 1st Marquess of Waterford. His mother was Elizabeth Monck. His older brothers included Henry Beresford, 2nd Marquess of Waterford and Lord John Beresford. He also had two half-brothers, Lord Beresford and Sir John Beresford, who were also notable figures.

Military Career and Service

Lord George Beresford began his military career at a young age. He joined the army in April 1794 as a cornet in the 13th Light Dragoons. A cornet was a junior officer rank in the cavalry.

Rising Through the Ranks

He quickly moved up the ranks:

• In July 1794, he became a lieutenant in the 111th Regiment of Foot.
• By September 1794, he was a captain in the 124th Regiment of Foot.
• He later joined the 88th Regiment of Foot in July 1796.

He spent over two and a half years serving in the East Indies as a captain. He continued to advance, becoming a major in the 6th Dragoon Guards in 1800 and a lieutenant-colonel in Dillon's Regiment in 1803. He then moved to lead the 71st Regiment of Foot in 1804 and the 2nd Dragoon Guards in 1807.

Achieving General Rank

By 1812, he was promoted to the rank of colonel. Two years later, in June 1814, he became a major-general. His long service in the British Army showed his dedication.

Political Life and Public Service

Besides his military work, Lord George Beresford was also active in politics. He was elected to the British Parliament several times.

Early Parliamentary Roles

• In 1802, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Londonderry.
• He was elected for Coleraine in 1812.
• In the same year, he joined the Privy Council. This is a group of advisors to the King or Queen.
• He was also appointed Comptroller of the Household under Lord Liverpool, who was the Prime Minister at the time.

Serving as Comptroller

As Comptroller of the Household, Lord George Beresford was responsible for managing the royal household. This included overseeing budgets and staff for the King's palaces. He held this important position for many years, from 1812 to 1830.

Later Political Career

In 1814, he was elected as an MP for County Waterford. Even when he wasn't in Parliament between 1826 and 1830, he continued his role as Comptroller. He returned to Parliament for County Waterford in March 1830. He remained Comptroller until a new government, led by Lord Grey, took over later that year. He continued to represent County Waterford in Parliament until the general election in 1831.

Family Life

Harriet Schutz Beresford and her daughter Elizabeth Harriet Georgina, painted by Richard Cosway.

Lord George Beresford married Harriet Schutz on November 22, 1808. Harriet was the daughter of John Bacon Schutz from Suffolk. They had three daughters:

• Elizabeth Harriet Georgina (1810–1889): She married Admiral Henry Eden.
• Harriet Susan Isabella (died 1859): She married George Dunbar, who was also a Member of Parliament for Belfast.
• Caroline Susan Catherine (died 1866): She married Hon. Edward Kenyon.

Lord George Beresford passed away in October 1839 when he was 58 years old. His wife, Lady George Beresford, died in April 1860.