Robert Melvill facts for kids

Portrait by Henry Raeburn

General Robert Melvill (born October 12, 1723 – died August 29, 1809) was a Scottish soldier in the British Army. He was also known as an expert in old things (an antiquary), a plant scientist (botanist), and an inventor. He owned large estates in the West Indies, including Melville Hall in Dominica and Carnbee in Tobago.

In 1759, Melvill invented the Carronade. This was a special cast-iron cannon that was very popular for about 100 years. He worked with the Carron Iron Works to create it, and the cannon was named after the company. He also helped start the St. Vincent Botanic Garden in the West Indies, which is a famous garden for plants.

Early Life and Education

Robert Melvill was born in Monimail, Scotland. His father, Andrew Melville, was a clergyman, and his mother was Helen Whytt. He went to a grammar school in Leven. Later, he studied at Glasgow University and then medicine at Edinburgh University.

A Life in the Army

Melvill left his studies to join the army in 1744. He became an ensign in the 25th Foot regiment. He fought in Flanders at the Battle of Fontenoy, where many soldiers were lost. After another battle, he returned to Scotland. There, he helped put down the Jacobite rising of 1745. He was part of the army that was surrounded in Blair Castle and later fought at the Battle of Culloden. He continued fighting in Flanders at the battles of Roucoux and Lauffeld. By 1748, he was a lieutenant, and in 1751, he became a captain.

Serving in the West Indies

In 1756, Melvill became a major in the 38th Foot regiment. He served in the West Indies during the Seven Years' War. He helped the British capture several French islands, including Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Dominica. During the capture of Guadeloupe, he was injured and later lost his eyesight.

He became the Lieutenant-Governor of Guadeloupe in 1759. When his boss died, he became governor in 1760, with the rank of brigadier-general. After the 1763 Treaty of Paris, some islands were returned to France. However, Grenada, the Grenadines, Dominica, St Vincent, and Tobago became British. Melvill was the governor of these new British islands (except Grenada) from 1763 to 1770. He also served as acting governor of Grenada for a time.

Later Life and Inventions

Melvill returned to Scotland in 1771. It was around this time that he is credited with inventing the carronade. This powerful cannon was even called the "melvillade" for a while, in his honor.

In his later years, he became well known as an antiquary, someone who studies old objects and history. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1775. In 1789, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Famous thinkers like Adam Smith supported his election.

When Robert Melvill passed away in 1809, he was one of the oldest generals in the British Army. He never married.