William Gordon (British Army officer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Gordon
William Gordon, by Pompeo Batoni, 1765-66, Fyvie Castle
Born	1736
Died	25 May 1816
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	General

General William Gordon (1736 – 25 May 1816) was a British general and a member of the royal court. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. He had a big disagreement with his nephew, the Duke of Gordon. This happened when he took over a new army regiment that his nephew wanted to create.

Early Life and Military Start

William Gordon was born in 1736. His father was William Gordon, 2nd Earl of Aberdeen. He studied at the University of Edinburgh.

In 1756, he joined the army as a cornet in the 11th Regiment of Dragoons. This was his first step in a long military career. By 1759, he became a captain in the 16th Regiment of Light Dragoons.

Moving Up in the Army

He became a lieutenant-colonel in the 105th Regiment of Foot (Queen's Own Royal Regiment of Highlanders) in 1762. This regiment was later disbanded, and he took a break from active duty.

After this, William Gordon went on a "grand tour" of Europe. This was a common trip for young, wealthy men back then. While in Rome, he had his portrait painted by a famous artist named Pompeo Batoni. In the painting, he is wearing his army uniform.

Serving in Parliament

In 1767, William Gordon became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Woodstock. He got this position thanks to his friend, the Duke of Marlborough. He was re-elected in 1768.

Later, in 1774, the Duke of Marlborough helped him become an MP for Heytesbury. As an MP, William Gordon usually supported the government's decisions.

Working for the King

In 1775, he received a special job from the Duke of Marlborough. He became a Groom of the Bedchamber to King George III. This meant he was a personal attendant to the King. He served the King in this role until 1812.

A Family Disagreement

In 1777, William Gordon had a big argument with his nephew, Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon. The Duke wanted to create a new army regiment for the King. He hoped his brother, Lord William Gordon, would lead this new regiment.

However, King George III had concerns about Lord William's past actions. So, William Gordon (of Fyvie) saw an opportunity. He wrote to Lord Germain and asked to be the leader of the new regiment himself. He even told Lord Germain that his nephew, the Duke, would support him.

The Regiment Controversy

William Gordon was made a colonel in August 1777. In December, he was officially appointed to lead the new regiment. But the Duke of Gordon soon found out that his uncle had already chosen the officers for the regiment. William Gordon had done this even before he knew if he would get the command!

The Duke was very upset. He felt that these appointments would hurt his own political influence in Aberdeenshire. The Duke eventually convinced the King to let him raise his own special regiment. But this competition caused a lasting disagreement between the Duke and William Gordon's side of the family.

Standing Up to a Riot

During the Gordon Riots in 1780, William Gordon's other nephew, Lord George Gordon, was involved. Lord George was also an MP. William Gordon famously asked his nephew if he planned to let the angry crowd into the House of Commons. He even threatened him with his sword if he did!

Later Military Career

William Gordon continued to support the government, unless he was away with his regiment. He was promoted to major general in 1781. His regiment was disbanded in 1783, and he again took a break from active duty.

He later held leadership positions in several other regiments:

• The 4th Battalion of the 60th Regiment of Foot (1787)
• The 7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fuzileers) (1788)
• The 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot (1789)

He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1793 and then to full general in 1798. In 1803, he was appointed to lead the 21st Regiment of Foot. He remained in command of this regiment until he passed away.

William Gordon lived at Martins Heron House in Winkfield, Berkshire. He married his housekeeper, Isobel Black. They had a son named William Gordon.