Rowland Hood, 3rd Viscount Bridport facts for kids

Arms of the Viscount Bridport: 1st and 4th, Azure a fret Argent on a Chief Or three Crescents Sable (Hood); 2nd and 3rd, Or a Cross patonce Sable a Bend Gules surmounted of another engrailed of the field charged with three Bombs fired proper on a Chief undulated Argent waves of the Sea from which a Palm Tree issuant between a Disabled Ship on the dexter and a Battery in Ruins on the sinister all proper over all a Fess wavy Azure thereon inscribed the word "Trafalgar" Or (Nelson)

Rowland Arthur Herbert Nelson Hood was an important British naval officer and politician. He was known as the 3rd Viscount Bridport and the 6th Duke of Bronte. He was born on May 22, 1911, and passed away on July 25, 1969. He lived in Sicily, Italy, at a place called Castello di Maniace.

Early Life and Family

Rowland was born in Walhachin, British Columbia, Canada. This was near Kamloops. His birth date was May 22, 1911. His father was Lieutenant Maurice Henry Nelson Hood. He was killed in action during World War I. This happened at Gallipoli when he was 34 years old. Rowland's father was the oldest surviving son of the 2nd Viscount Bridport.

Rowland's Father: Maurice Henry Nelson Hood

Lt. Hon. Maurice Henry Nelson Hood (1891-1915), killed in action at Gallipoli, father of the 3rd Viscount

Rowland's father, Maurice Henry Nelson Hood, joined the Merchant Marine after school. He worked on a sailing ship called the Brilliant. Later, he became a second mate on foreign-going ships. He then moved to Walhachin, Canada, where Rowland was born.

When World War I began, Maurice joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He served with the Hood Battalion. This battalion was named after famous admirals in his family. He was last seen alive at Gallipoli on June 4, 1915. He is remembered at the Helles Memorial.

Naval and Political Career

Rowland was only four years old when his father died in World War I. In 1924, when Rowland was 13, he became the 3rd Viscount Bridport. This happened after his grandfather passed away.

He joined the Royal Navy and became a Lieutenant-Commander. From 1939 to 1940, he worked in the government. He was a Lord-in-waiting, which meant he helped the government in the House of Lords.

Becoming the Duke of Bronte

In 1937, Rowland became the 6th Duke of Bronte. This is a special title from Sicily, Italy. He inherited it from his great-uncle, Alexander Hood. Alexander had no children.

Rowland then moved to live at the Castello di Maniace in Sicily. He also owned another property called "La Falconara" in Taormina, Sicily. In 1948, he sold "La Falconara." It was bought by Gaetano Marzotto, a famous Italian textile and wine maker. The villa was later renamed Villa Marzotto. In 2020, it was offered for sale again.

Marriages and Children

Rowland Arthur Herbert Nelson Hood was married two times.

• His first marriage was in 1934 to Pamela Aline Mary Baker. They divorced in 1945.
• His second marriage was in 1945 to Sheila Jeanne Agatha van Meurs. They had children together.

His son and heir was Alexander Nelson Hood, 4th Viscount Bridport. He was born in 1948.

Death and Succession

Rowland passed away in July 1969. He was 58 years old. His son, Alexander Nelson Hood, 4th Viscount Bridport, became the 4th Viscount Bridport. He also became the 7th Duke of Bronte.