Patrick Talbot facts for kids

Sir Wellington Patrick Manvers Chetwynd-Talbot (born December 12, 1817 – died September 23, 1898) was an important British Army officer. He is best known for his long service as the Serjeant at Arms for the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament.

Early Life and Army Start

Wellington Chetwynd-Talbot was the son of Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 2nd Earl Talbot. He went to two famous schools: Eton College and Sandhurst. Sandhurst is a special military academy where army officers are trained.

He joined the army on December 19, 1836, as an ensign in the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment of Foot. An ensign was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag. He quickly moved up the ranks. He became a lieutenant in the 7th Regiment of Foot in 1837 and a captain in the same regiment in 1842.

From 1844 to 1845, he worked for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, William à Court, 1st Baron Heytesbury. This was a role helping a very important official in Ireland.

Military and Political Roles

In 1846, his father, who was a high-ranking official in Staffordshire, made him a major in the local army group called the King's Own (1st Staffordshire) Militia. The Militia was a military force made up of citizens, used for local defense.

Chetwynd-Talbot was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1853. He also worked as a private secretary for Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby. Lord Derby later became the prime minister of the United Kingdom in 1852. A private secretary helps a busy leader with their daily tasks and paperwork.

During the Crimean War, a major conflict in the 1850s, Chetwynd-Talbot led his militia regiment. They were sent to the Ionian Islands to guard the area. This was called "garrison duty."

Serjeant at Arms and Honors

In 1858, Chetwynd-Talbot began a very important job: Serjeant at Arms of the House of Lords. He held this position for a very long time, until he died in 1898. The Serjeant at Arms is responsible for keeping order and security in the House of Lords. They also carry the ceremonial mace, a symbol of royal authority.

For his long service, he received a special honor in 1897. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. This is a high honor given by the British monarch for great service.

In 1873, he stepped down from his role as lieutenant-colonel in the militia. However, he was then made an Honorary Colonel of the regiment. This meant he still had a special connection to the group, even though he wasn't actively commanding them anymore.

Family Life

On October 11, 1860, Wellington Chetwynd-Talbot married Lady Emma Charlotte Stanley. She was the daughter of Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, who had been prime minister. Wellington and Emma had eight children together.