Sir William Payne-Gallwey, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir William Payne-Gallwey (born in 1759, died April 16, 1831) was an important British soldier. He became a General in the British Army and also served as the Governor of the Leeward Islands. He was the youngest son of Ralph Payne and Margaret Gallwey, who lived in St. Kitts in the West Indies. William Payne-Gallwey held high positions, including being a Lieutenant-General in India and a second-in-command of the British Army in Spain. His half-brother, Ralph Payne, 1st Baron Lavington, was also a Governor of the Leeward Islands.

Early Life in the Caribbean

William Payne was born on the island of Saint Kitts in 1759. His father, Ralph Payne, owned sugar plantations, and his mother was Margaret Gallwey. Both of his parents came from leading families on the island.

A Soldier's Journey: Military Career

William Payne joined the British Army in 1776 as a cornet, which was a junior officer rank. He used his family's wealth to start his military career.

Early Ranks and Service

• He became a lieutenant in 1777.
• He was promoted to captain in 1782.
• His unit, the 1st Dragoons, stayed in Britain. They did not fight in the American Revolutionary War.
• Instead, they helped control local unrest, like a riot in Birmingham in 1791.

Rising Through the Ranks

Payne continued to rise in the army:

• In 1794, he became a major and then a lieutenant colonel.
• He moved to the 3rd Dragoon Guards.
• By 1798, he was a colonel.
• He spent three years working for the army in Ireland.
• Later, he became a major-general with the 10th Light Dragoons.

Fighting in the Peninsular War

In 1807, William Payne became the colonel of the 23rd Light Dragoons. He then fought in the Peninsular War (1807–1814) in Spain and Portugal. He received the Army Gold Medal for his brave service at the Battle of Talavera in 1809.

Becoming a General

• In 1811, he was promoted to lieutenant-general.
• He later led other regiments, including the 19th Light Dragoons and the 12th Royal Lancers.
• Finally, in 1825, he reached the highest rank of full General.

Becoming a Baronet

In 1812, William Payne was given the title of Baronet. This is a special honor from the King or Queen. In 1814, he added "Gallwey" to his last name. He did this to honor his mother's family, as requested in his uncle's will.

Family Life

Payne's wife Harriet carrying one of their sons, painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds

On November 19, 1804, William Payne married Lady Harriet Quinn. She was the only daughter of Valentine Quin, 1st Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl. They had two sons and one daughter named Caroline. Their second son, Philip, had many children and descendants. William Payne-Gallwey was succeeded by his oldest son, Sir William Payne-Gallwey, 2nd Baronet.