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William Waldegrave, Viscount Chewton

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William Frederick Waldegrave, Viscount Chewton (29 June 1816 in Cardington, Bedfordshire – 8 October 1854) was a British army officer. He died of wounds received in the Crimean War.

Early life and education

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Waldegrave was the eldest son of William Waldegrave, 8th Earl Waldegrave and was educated at Cheam School. While still at school, he served as a midshipman aboard his father's ship, HMS Seringapatam from 1829–31 and later graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge in 1837.[1]

In 1846, his father inherited the earldom from his nephew George Waldegrave, 7th Earl Waldegrave and Waldegrave took the courtesy title Viscount Chewton.

Military career

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Chewton emigrated to Canada and served with the militia which put down the rebellions of 1837. He returned to Britain in 1843 and served with the British Army.

In 1846, Chewton fought in the Battle of Sobraon and then captained the 6th Regiment of Foot stationed at the Cape of Good Hope in 1847 and then the Royal Scots Fusiliers in Scotland in 1848. Chewton later fought in the Battle of Alma in September 1854, but died of his wounds a few weeks later.

Marriage and children

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Chewton was married on 2 July 1850 to Frances Bastard, daughter of Captain John Bastard, RN, of Sharpham, Devon. They had three children:[2]

Frances, Viscountess Chewton was a Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and received the Order of Victoria and Albert, 3rd class. She died 11 April 1902, at Bookham Lodge, Cobham, Surrey, in her 80th year, of pneumonia.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Waldegrave, William Frederick (Viscount Chewton) (WLDV835WF)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
  2. ^ Mosley, Charles, editor. Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes. Wilmington, Delaware, US: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003
  3. ^ "Obituary – Frances, Viscountess Chewton". The Times. No. 36741. London. 14 April 1902. p. 10.