William Taylour Thomson facts for kids
Sir William Taylour Thomson (1813-1883) was an important British officer and diplomat. He worked for his country in both the military and in foreign relations.
Early Life and Military Service
Sir William was a very skilled military officer. He had an exciting early career. Once, a British ship called the "Tigris" sank in the Euphrates River. William was one of the people who survived this accident.
In 1839, he was part of a big military event in a city called Herat. He also served as a soldier in Iran during 1849, and again from 1853 to 1855.
A Career in Diplomacy
After his military service, Sir William became a diplomat. This means he represented Britain in other countries. From 1849 to 1855, he was Britain's main representative in Persia (which is now Iran). He was called the Chargé d'Affaires.
Later, from 1872 to 1879, he became an even more important diplomat. He was known as the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. This was like being a special ambassador. Between 1855 and 1873, he also worked for Britain in Chile. His younger brother, Ronald Ferguson Thomson, took over his role after him.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir William retired to Edinburgh, a beautiful city in Scotland. He lived in a grand house at 27 Royal Terrace. This house was a large, old building on Calton Hill.
He passed away on September 15, 1883. Sir William is buried in Warriston Cemetery in Edinburgh. His grave is quite special because it's an unusual double tomb. He is buried right next to his wife.
