William Lloyd (mountaineer) facts for kids

Major Sir William Lloyd (born 29 December 1782 – died 16 May 1857) was a brave Welsh military leader. He was one of the very first Europeans to climb a peak in the amazing Himalaya Mountains.

Sir William Lloyd was born in Wrexham. He was the oldest son of Richard Myddleton Massie Lloyd, who was a rich cloth dealer and later a banker. His mother was Mary Bowey. William went to school at Ruthin School.

In 1798, William joined the army of the Honourable East India Company. He arrived in India a year later as a Lieutenant. He later became a Captain in the Bengal Infantry. He was in charge of the Residency Escort at Nagpore for 14 years.

In 1814, William inherited the Bryn Estyn estate and other properties after his father passed away. His brother, Richard, took over their family's bank in Wrexham. In 1817, William was hurt four times during the Battle of Seetabuldee. He also took part in the Siege of Nagpore in December of that year. He had a son named George, born in India in 1815, and a daughter named Mary, born in 1817.

Exploring the Himalayas

In 1822, William Lloyd started an exciting journey through the Himalayas. He traveled all the way to Buran Ghati, which is near the border of Tibet. During this trip, he created maps for the East India Company. These maps were so good that the Indian military used them for many years!

On June 13, 1822, William set off alone. Later that same day, he became the first European person to reach the top of the Western Hill of Boorendo. This was a huge achievement in mountain climbing.

Life in Wales

In 1829, William Lloyd became the High Sheriff of Denbighshire. This was an important role in local government. In December 1830, as Captain of the Denbighshire Yeomanry Cavalry, William Lloyd helped calm a difficult situation. Miners in places like Cefn, Acrefair, Rhosllanerchrugog, and Brymbo were on strike. This event became known as The Battle of Cinder Hill. William played a key part in making sure things didn't get worse.

In November 1837, Captain William Lloyd also helped manage 'The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge'. This group aimed to share information and education with more people. He was a respected member of one of their local groups in Wrexham.

Later Life and Achievements

In 1838, Queen Victoria gave William Lloyd a special honor. He was made a Knight Bachelor on July 18, which meant he could use the title "Sir." Also in 1838, Sir William Lloyd was put in charge of the Denbighshire Yeomanry. He was given the rank of Major Commandant.

In 1840, he published his journals in a book. The full title was very long: The Narrative of a Journey from Caunpoor to the Boorendo Pass in the Himalayan Mountains Via Gwalior, Agra, Delhi, and Sirhind by Major Sir William Lloyd and Captain Alexander Gerards's Account of an Attempt to Penetrate by Bekhur to Garoo and the Lake Manasarowara: For The Purpose of Determining the Line of Perpetual Snow on the Southern Face of the Himalaya (With Maps). His son, George Lloyd, helped edit the book.

Sadly, his son George died in 1843 in Egypt. Then, the family's bank failed in 1849. After these difficult events, Major Sir William Lloyd stepped back from public life for a few years. He spent his time at his home called 'Plas Trevor' in Llandudno. He passed away there on May 16, 1857. His body was brought back to Bryn Estyn before being buried at St Tudno's Churchyard in Llandudno.

Sources

• Denbighshire Historical Society Transactions Volumes 25/26 (1976–1977)