Paul Pechell facts for kids

A painting of Sir Paul Pechell by Thomas Gainsborough.

Sir Paul Pechell, 1st Baronet (born November 12, 1724 – died January 13, 1800) was an army officer. He came from a family of Huguenots, who were French Protestants. His family had to leave France because of a law called the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. This law took away the rights of Protestants. His grandfather settled in Ireland, which is where Paul Pechell was born.

Early Army Days

Paul Pechell joined the army in 1744. His first role was as a cornet in the Royal Regiment of Dragoons. A cornet was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag. In 1746, he was promoted to captain in Fleming's Regiment of Foot.

Fighting in the War of the Austrian Succession

In 1747, Pechell was wounded during the War of the Austrian Succession. This happened at the Battle of Lauffeld. He received great praise from the Duke of Cumberland for his bravery.

Later Military Career

In 1751, Pechell became a captain in the 3rd Dragoon Guards. The next year, his regiment helped escort King George II to Harwich. The King was traveling to Hanover.

Coast Duty and Promotions

For the next three years, Pechell's regiment worked on the coast. Their job was to stop smuggling in places like Suffolk, Essex, and Devon. They also patrolled against highway robbers.

Pechell continued to rise through the ranks. In 1754, he became a guidon in the Second Troop of Horse Grenadier Guards. A guidon was another type of officer who carried a small flag. He was promoted to captain in 1755, major in 1759, and lieutenant-colonel in 1762. He left the army in 1768.

Family Life and Baronetcy

In 1752, Paul Pechell married Mary Brooke. She was the only daughter of Thomas Brooke from Paglesham, Essex. They had two sons and five daughters together.

Paul Pechell was given the title of Baronet on March 1, 1797. This meant he became "Sir Paul Pechell, 1st Baronet." He passed away in 1800. His oldest son, Sir Thomas Brooke-Pechell, 2nd Baronet, later became the 2nd Baronet.

Leigh Rayment's list of baronets