William Forbes-Sempill, 17th Lord Sempill facts for kids

Craigievar Castle, a historic home of the Forbes family

William Forbes-Sempill, 17th Lord Sempill (born William Forbes) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held the title of the 17th Lord Sempill and was also the 8th Baronet of Craigievar. He was born on May 20, 1836, and passed away on July 21, 1905.

Early Life and Education

William Forbes was born into a noble family. His father was Sir John Forbes, who was the 7th Baronet. When his father died in February 1846, William was only seven years old. At this young age, he inherited his father's title and became the 8th Baronet.

He received his education at Eton College, a famous school in England. After his schooling, he decided to join the military.

Military Service

In 1854, William joined the Coldstream Guards. This is a very old and respected part of the British Army. He served as a soldier in the Crimean War. This was a big war that happened between 1853 and 1856. During his time in the army, William rose through the ranks. He eventually became a Captain.

Becoming Lord Sempill

In 1884, William inherited another important title. He became the 17th Lord Sempill. He received this title from a relative named Maria Jane Sempill, 16th Lady Sempill. When he became Lord Sempill, he also added "Sempill" to his last name. From then on, he was known as William Forbes-Sempill.

Family Life

William Forbes-Sempill was married three times during his life.

First Marriage

His first marriage was in 1858 to Caroline. She was the only daughter of Sir Charles Forbes, who was the 3rd Baronet. This marriage ended in 1861. They had one daughter together named Katherine. Katherine later married a naturalist named George Muirhead in 1907. A naturalist is someone who studies nature.

Second Marriage and Children

In 1862, William married Frances Emily Abercromby. She was the youngest daughter of Sir Robert Abercromby, 5th Baronet. William and Frances had seven children together. They had five sons and two daughters.

• One of their sons, William, sadly passed away when he was only one year old.
• Their other sons all served in the military.
  • The oldest son was John. He led a group of soldiers called a battalion in the Black Watch. He fought in a big battle called the Battle of Loos.
  • Their second son, Douglas, was a Major in the Seaforth Highlanders. He was killed in India in 1908 while serving on the North-West Frontier.
  • Robert was their fourth son. He was a Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders. He was killed in 1915 during World War I. He was helping his men fix a trench when it happened. He is buried in a military cemetery.
  • The youngest son, Arthur, was in the Royal Navy. He survived a very famous naval battle called the Battle of Jutland.
• William and Frances also had two daughters.
  • The elder daughter, Evelyn, married a Member of Parliament (MP) named Duncan Vernon Pirie.
  • The younger daughter, Gertrude, never married.

Third Marriage

William Forbes-Sempill's third marriage was in 1890. He married Mary Sherbrooke.

Legacy

When William Forbes-Sempill passed away in 1905, his titles were inherited by his oldest son, John.