Sir Alexander Leith, 1st Baronet, of Burgh St Peter facts for kids
Sir Alexander Charles George Leith (1741–1780) was an important British soldier and politician. He served in the British Parliament, known as the House of Commons, from 1774 until his death in 1780. He was also given a special title, a Baronet, which is a bit like a knight.
Early Life and Military Career
Alexander Leith was born in 1741. His father, also named Alexander Leith, was a soldier who sadly died in 1762 during the siege of Havana. His mother was Anne.
Young Alexander decided to follow in his father's footsteps. He joined the Royal Artillery in 1759. He started as a lieutenant and fireworker. By 1764, he became a first lieutenant. In 1768, he began working for the East India Company. This company was very powerful and involved in trade and governing parts of India.
Alexander Leith married twice. His first wife was Margaret Wren. She was a widow and the daughter of Thomas Hay. He married his second wife, the daughter of General Sir John Cope, on March 1, 1775.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1774, Alexander Leith became a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he was chosen to represent a place called Tregony in the British Parliament. He was elected without anyone running against him.
He was not originally chosen by Lord North, who was the Prime Minister at the time. However, Lord North later made him a Baronet on November 21, 1775. This gave him the title of Sir Alexander Leith, Baronet of Burgh St Peter, Norfolk.
By 1778, Sir Alexander Leith had become a strong opponent of Lord North's government. This might have been because he did not get a military posting he wanted in Madras.
Later Military Service and Death
In 1779, Sir Alexander Leith became a lieutenant-colonel. He joined the 88th Foot and was sent to the West Indies.
He was not chosen to be an MP again in the 1780 election. Sir Alexander Leith died in Jamaica on October 3, 1780. He passed away from being very tired while leading a military trip to the Spanish Main. The Spanish Main was a name for the northern coast of South America.
