Robert Taylor (British Army officer) facts for kids
General Robert Taylor (born 1760, died 1839) was an important Irish soldier and politician. He was known as "The Honourable" from the day he was born.
About Robert Taylor's Family
Robert Taylor was the third son of Thomas Taylour, 1st Earl of Bective, a powerful noble. His mother was Jane Rowley. Robert had an older brother named Thomas Taylour, 1st Marquess of Headfort, and a younger brother named Clotworthy Rowley, 1st Baron Langford. Robert Taylor never married and did not have children. He passed away in a place called Davestown.
Robert Taylor's Military Career
Robert Taylor joined the British Army in 1783. He started as a cornet in the 5th Dragoons regiment. A cornet was a junior officer rank, like a second lieutenant today. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1784 and a captain in 1785.
By 1790, he became a major, and then a lieutenant-colonel in 1792. He served with his regiment in Ireland. From 1793, he fought in the French Revolutionary Wars in Europe, specifically in Flanders and Germany. He was promoted to colonel in 1796.
During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Robert Taylor was promoted to brigadier-general in Ireland. He was second in command at the Battle of Ballinamuck. His superior, General Lake, praised him for his actions in official reports.
In 1801, he became a major-general. He continued to serve in Ireland from 1803 to 1808. After that, he became a lieutenant-general. Robert Taylor was promoted to a full general in August 1819. Two years later, he became the colonel of the 6th Regiment of Dragoons Guards.
Robert Taylor's Political Life
In 1790, Robert Taylor was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Kells in the Irish House of Commons. His father and his older brother Hercules had also represented Kells before him. Robert Taylor served as an MP until 1800.
