Randolph Stewart, 13th Earl of Galloway facts for kids
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Randolph Keith Reginald Stewart (born October 14, 1928 – died March 27, 2020) was a Scottish nobleman. He held the title of the 13th Earl of Galloway. He was also known as Lord of Garlies and Baronet of Corsewell and Burray. Randolph Stewart faced many personal challenges throughout his life.
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Randolph Stewart: A Nobleman's Life
Early Life and Challenges
Randolph Stewart was born in October 1928. He was the only son of the 12th Earl of Galloway and his American mother, Philippa Wendell. From a young age, Randolph experienced behavioral challenges. Doctors at the time gave him a diagnosis that was later thought to be incorrect. He received a treatment called insulin coma therapy. Today, experts believe his behavior might have been recognized as autistic.
He attended Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar. Later, he went to Harrow School in London. When he was 23, in 1952, his parents decided he should have a brain surgery called a lobotomy. This was an attempt to help control his behavior. The surgery changed him greatly. He once said, "I was never the same again." After this, he spent 15 years in a special part of the Crichton Royal Infirmary in Dumfries. In 1970, his parents moved him to a monastery in Roslin, Midlothian.
Marriage and Family
On October 17, 1975, Randolph Stewart married Lily May Budge. She was from a working-class family in Duns, Scotland. Lily May had been married before and had four children. Randolph's parents did not approve of the marriage. His father, the 12th Earl, even tried to pay Lily May to leave the marriage.
His father passed away in 1978. Randolph then inherited the title of Earl of Galloway. However, his father had left him very little money in his will. With his wife's help, Randolph and Lily May moved to London. He then claimed his place in the House of Lords. This is a part of the British Parliament.
Role in the House of Lords
Lord Galloway found it difficult to be a politician. This was due to his mental health struggles and the effects of his earlier surgery. He and his wife soon moved back to Edinburgh. There, his mental health continued to decline. He sometimes struggled to control his actions. Looking back, he described these moments as "disgraceful" and "dishonorable."
Later Life and Legacy
Lily May, the Countess, passed away in 1999. They did not have any children together. Randolph Stewart died in March 2020 when he was 91 years old. His death was announced the following month.
After his death, the title of Earl of Galloway passed to Andrew Clyde Stewart. Andrew is a distant cousin of Randolph. He is the great-great-grandson of the 9th Earl.
