Augustus William James Clifford British Royal Navy Officer, Admiral, Member of Parliament, Date of Birth: 24.05.1788 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Augustus William James Clifford
2. Education and Early Career
3. Political Career and Later Life
4. Personal Life

Biography of Augustus William James Clifford

Augustus William James Clifford was a British Royal Navy officer, admiral, and member of parliament. He was born on May 24, 1788, as the illegitimate son of William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire, and Lady Elizabeth Foster. Lady Elizabeth Foster was the mistress of the Duke for twenty-five years and became his second wife after the death of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire.

Education and Early Career

Clifford received his education at Harrow School, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in England. In May 1800, he joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1806. He participated in the capture of the islands of Saint Lucia and Tobago in 1803 and took part in British naval operations in Egypt in 1807.

In 1809, Clifford played a role in the capture of a convoy in the Bay of Rosas and received a medal for his actions. He also served in operations along the coast of Italy from 1811 to 1812. Throughout his career, Clifford served in the Royal Navy with distinction and his name was mentioned multiple times in the 'London Gazette' for acts of bravery during dangerous military expeditions.

Political Career and Later Life

Clifford served as a member of parliament for Bandon from 1818 to 1820, Dungarvan from 1820 to 1822, and again for Bandon from July 23, 1831, to December 3, 1832. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath on December 8, 1815, and was later made a baronet on August 4, 1838.

In addition to his naval and political career, Clifford held various ceremonial positions. He served as Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod from July 25, 1832, until his death. In this role, he fulfilled ceremonial duties at the court and parliament. He also occasionally substituted for the Lord Great Chamberlain of England in the absence of Lord Willoughby d'Eresby from 1843 to 1866.

Clifford had a deep appreciation for the arts and curated a unique collection of paintings, sculptures, engravings, and decorations. He passed away on February 8, 1877, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Palace of Westminster.

Personal Life

On October 20, 1813, Clifford married Lady Elizabeth Frances Townshend, the sister of John Townshend, 4th Marquess Townshend. They had a son named William John Cavendish Clifford, who succeeded his father as the 2nd Baronet.