Robert Balfour, 6th of Balbirnie facts for kids
Robert Balfour of Balbirnie (born May 3, 1772 – died October 31, 1837) was a high-ranking officer in the British Army. He was the son of John Balfour and Mary Gordon. Robert served in important cavalry groups like the 2nd Dragoons and the Fife Light Horse. His younger brother, James, was a Member of Parliament. James was also the grandfather of Arthur Balfour, who later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1903 to 1905.
Robert Balfour's Army Life
Robert Balfour had a long and successful career in the army, moving up through many ranks:
- He became a Captain in the 2nd Dragoons on July 9, 1793.
- He was promoted to Major in the Army on January 1, 1798, and then Major in the 2nd Dragoons on April 3, 1801.
- On September 25, 1803, he became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army. He then became Lieutenant-Colonel in the 2nd Dragoons on August 22, 1805.
- He reached the rank of Colonel in the Army on January 1, 1812.
- On June 4, 1814, he was promoted to Major-General.
- From 1831 until his death in 1837, he was the special Honorary Colonel of the Fife Light Horse.
During his time as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd Dragoons, Robert Balfour faced a military trial. This happened because he misunderstood a rule. He was initially removed from his position, but the Prince Regent (who was ruling at the time) quickly gave him his job back. This showed that he had not done anything dishonest or wrong.
Balbirnie House: A Family Home
When he wasn't at his home in London, General Balfour spent a lot of time in Fife, Scotland. This was at Balbirnie House in Glenrothes. His family had owned Balbirnie House since the 1640s, and he inherited it from his father, John Balfour.
General Balfour worked hard to make Balbirnie House a grand country mansion. He also bought more land, like the Forthar estate in 1830. The house you see today is mostly how General Balfour designed it in 1815. He hired an architect named Richard Crichton to add new parts to the house and create its impressive new look.
General Balfour also improved the gardens and moved some of the roads on his land. He paid for these changes using money from increased rent on his estate and from coal mining. He also used money he inherited from his aunt. This inheritance also helped his two brothers build and improve their own homes. After General Balfour passed away in 1837, his son John continued to expand the estate.
Robert Balfour's Family
On August 8, 1808, Robert Balfour married Eglantyne Katherine Fordyce, who passed away on January 9, 1851. They had seven children together: four sons and three daughters.
Their children were:
- John Balfour (1811–1895), who became the 7th owner of Balbirnie.
- Katherine Jane Balfour (1812–1864), who was known for her diaries and art. She married a Scottish politician named Edward Ellice.
- Charles James Balfour (1814 – February 3, 1878).
- Robert William Balfour (1817–1854).
- Eglantine Charlotte Louisa Balfour (1819 – April 18, 1907), who married Robert Ellice in March 1853.
- Elizabeth Anne Balfour (1820 – August 10, 1889), who married Edward Pleydell-Bouverie on November 1, 1842.
- George Gordon Balfour (1821–1901).
