Peter, 3rd Count de Salis facts for kids
Peter de Salis, 3rd Count de Salis (born June 28, 1738 – died November 19, 1807) was an important person who served as a soldier and a government official. He came from a noble family and spent his life helping people and serving his country.
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Peter's Early Life and Education
Peter was the second son of Jerome De Salis. His mother was Mary, whose father was the first Viscount Fane. Peter grew up with his brothers, Charles and Henry.
He studied in a region called the Grisons in Switzerland, specifically in a town called Chur. A famous scientist named Johann Heinrich Lambert was one of his teachers. Later, Peter went to Eton, a well-known school in England.
Peter's Military Service
Peter left Eton in 1754. Soon after, he joined the army. On October 17, 1754, he became an ensign in the 1st Regiment of Foot. This was like a junior officer role.
He fought in a big conflict called the Seven Years' War. During this war, he was promoted to lieutenant on October 27, 1760. He eventually left the army with the rank of captain.
Serving the Community
After his time in the army, Peter became a governor and captain-general. He served in the Valtelline region from 1771 to 1773, and again from 1781 to 1783.
People said he was very generous and smart. He worked hard to help the poor people in Chiavenna. Because of his efforts, a statue was built in his honor in a main square there in 1782. Sadly, parts of the statue were damaged in 1797, but some pieces still exist today.
Peter's Family Life
Peter de Salis married three times. In 1763, he married a distant cousin, but she passed away about a year later. In 1765, he married another cousin, but she also died about 18 months later.
In 1769, he married a third time to another cousin. With her, he had two sons. She lived for 22 years after Peter passed away.
Later Years and Estates
In March 1785, Peter inherited some land in Ireland from his mother. These lands were in counties Limerick and Armagh.
On November 13, 1785, he returned to England with his family. From then on, he lived mostly in England. He lived in several places, including Orchard Street and Great Cumberland Street in London. He also had a beautiful home called Hillingdon Park near Uxbridge. A famous architect named Joseph Bonomi designed this house for him around 1795–1797.
Peter de Salis died on November 19, 1807, at his home in Hillingdon-Heath.
His older son, Jerome, inherited his properties in Britain. His younger son, John, seems to have inherited his properties in Switzerland.
