Sir George Pigot, 3rd Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Pigot, 3rd Baronet
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|---|---|
| Born | 1766 |
| Died | 1840 (aged 73–74) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1787–1840 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | 130th Regiment of Foot |
General Sir George Pigot, 3rd Baronet (1766–1840) was an important officer in the British Army. He was the son of Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Pigot, 2nd Baronet. George Pigot served in several army groups, including the 38th Regiment of Foot and the 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot. In 1794, he was asked to create his own army unit, the 130th Regiment of Foot.
Pigot became the commander of this new unit in 1795. His regiment was sent to the West Indies, where many soldiers became sick from tropical diseases. The unit was closed down in 1796 because of this. In the same year, Pigot inherited a special family title, becoming a Baronet. He continued to rise in the army, becoming a major-general in 1812 and a full general in 1825.
About George Pigot
George Pigot was born in 1766. His father, Robert Pigot, was a high-ranking officer in the British Army. Robert inherited the special title of Baronet from his brother, George Pigot, who worked for the East India Company. It is thought that George Pigot, the son, was born in Ireland. He went to a famous school called Eton College.
Joining the Army
George Pigot started his army career on 9 June 1787. He joined the 38th Regiment of Foot as an ensign, which was a very junior officer rank. Later, he served in the second part of the 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot. On 27 January 1791, he became a lieutenant, which is a higher rank, in one of the special Independent Companies. By 9 April 1791, he was a captain.
Leading a Regiment
Pigot helped to create the 130th Regiment of Foot starting in 1794. He was promised command of this new unit if he could find enough new soldiers to join. He moved up in rank quickly by buying his promotions. On 17 February 1795, he became a major, and on the same day, he bought the rank of lieutenant-colonel. This meant he was a high-ranking officer without being tied to a specific older regiment.
Pigot officially took command of the 130th Regiment on 21 March 1795. His unit was sent to the West Indies. Sadly, many soldiers got very sick from tropical diseases there. The unit had to be closed down in 1796, and the soldiers who survived joined other army groups. After this, Pigot went into "half pay" retirement, meaning he received a smaller payment while not actively serving.
Family and Later Life
In 1796, George Pigot inherited the Baronet title from his father. This is a special title that passes down in families. He also married Mary Anne Monckton. On 15 March 1797, he was chosen to be a deputy lieutenant for the Staffordshire Militia. This meant he helped with local army matters in Staffordshire.
By 1799, Pigot was living at his family's large home, Patshull Hall. He was suggested to be the local sheriff of Staffordshire several times. He finally became sheriff in 1825.
Pigot rejoined the British Army on 1 January 1800, as a lieutenant-colonel. In 1800, he received special permission from the government to sell the famous Pigot Diamond. This diamond had been brought from India by his uncle. He sold it through a public lottery. George Pigot continued to be promoted in the army. On 1 January 1812, he became a major-general, and on 27 May 1825, he reached the highest rank of general. He passed away in 1840.
