William Home, 8th Earl of Home facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Home
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William, Earl of Home
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| Born | 1681 |
| Died | 28 April 1761 Gibraltar |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Battles/wars | Jacobite rising of 1745 |
William Home, 8th Earl of Home (1681 – 28 April 1761) was a Scottish nobleman. He held the title of Earl of Home. He was also a high-ranking officer in the British Army, reaching the rank of Lieutenant General. From 1757 until his death in 1761, he served as the British Governor of Gibraltar. Lord Home was known for spending a lot of money.
Early Life and Marriage
William Home became the Earl of Home in 1720. This happened after his father, Alexander Home, 7th Earl of Home, passed away. In 1735, he joined the 2nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards as an officer.
On Christmas Day in 1742, Lord Home married Elizabeth Lawes. She was a very wealthy woman from Jamaica and England. They did not have any children together. For reasons that are not known, the Earl and Countess separated in February 1743.
Even though they lived apart, they remained officially married. Countess Elizabeth Home became a well-known person in London society. She hosted many grand parties at her home, called Home House.
Military Service
Lord Home was a soldier for many years. In 1745, he fought in the Jacobite rising of 1745. This was a major conflict in Great Britain. He took part in the Battle of Prestonpans under Sir John Cope.
He showed great skill and bravery during this time. Because of his good service, he was given command of a special group. This group was called the Glasgow volunteer regiment of foot. Their job was to defend the town of Stirling.
Lord Home did well in his command. Most of the Jacobite forces were busy in England. They were marching towards Derby with Bonnie Prince Charlie. This made his task in Stirling easier.
On August 11, 1750, he became the colonel of the 48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot. Later, on April 29, 1752, he moved to lead the 25th (Edinburgh) Regiment of Foot. He remained the colonel of this regiment until he died.
In 1757, William Home was appointed Governor of Gibraltar. This was a very important position. Two years later, in 1759, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Later Years and Passing
William Home was planning to return to England. His trip was scheduled for April 29, 1761. However, he sadly passed away the day before, on April 28, 1761. He died in Gibraltar.
His younger brother, Alexander, took over his title. Alexander became the next Earl of Home. Even after their separation, his wife Elizabeth kept her title as Countess. She also remained very wealthy. Her money came from her father and her first husband. She passed away in 1784 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Today, the UK Government owns a painting of Major General William Home. It is believed to have been painted by artists from the British school of painting.
