William Nassau de Zuylestein, 2nd Earl of Rochford facts for kids
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William Nassau de Zuylestein, 2nd Earl of Rochford (born 1682 – died 1710) was an important British Army officer and a politician. He was known as Viscount Tunbridge from 1695 until 1709. William served in the Irish House of Commons and later in the British House of Commons. He became an Earl in 1709 and then joined the House of Lords. Sadly, he was killed in battle at a young age.
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Early Life and Family
William Nassau de Zuylestein was born in 1682 and was baptized on July 9th of that year. He was the oldest son of William Henry Nassau de Zuylestein, who was the 1st Earl of Rochford. His mother was Jane Wroth.
Military Career
William, also known as Viscount Tunbridge, had a busy military career.
Serving with Marlborough
In 1704, he worked as an aide-de-camp for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough in Flanders. An aide-de-camp is like a personal assistant to a high-ranking military officer.
Rising Through the Ranks
By January 1706, William was made a lieutenant-colonel in the 32nd Regiment of Foot. Just a few months later, in April, he became the colonel of a new regiment of foot soldiers in the Irish army. On February 1, 1707, he took over as colonel of the 3rd Regiment of Dragoons. Dragoons were soldiers who could fight both on horseback and on foot. His regiment went to Spain in 1708.
Political Life
Besides his military work, William was also involved in politics.
Member of Parliament
In 1705, William was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kilkenny City in Ireland. He was part of the Whig party. Later, in 1708, he was elected to the British House of Commons for Steyning.
Joining the House of Lords
In January 1709, William's father passed away. This meant William became the 2nd Earl of Rochford. As an Earl, he left his seat in the House of Commons and joined the House of Lords. This is a different part of the British Parliament. In January 1710, he was promoted to brigadier general in the army.
Death in Battle
William Nassau de Zuylestein was killed in battle on July 27, 1710. He was leading his regiment during the Battle of Almenar when he died. He was only 28 years old. After his death, his brother, Frederick Nassau de Zuylestein, 3rd Earl of Rochford, became the 3rd Earl of Rochford.
Images for kids
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Frederik Nassau de Zuylestein, 3rd Earl of Rochford, William's brother.
