1st and last Viscount Beresford of Beresford was born illegitimately.
He was the son of George de la Poer Beresford, 1st Marquess of Waterford.
He entered the Army in 1785, in 1786 he lost an eye through and accident, and, after serving in all four continents, bore a conspicuous part(1806) in the reconquest of the Cape, and capture of Buenos Aires. The latter achievement was followed by his surrender, but in 1807 he made his escape.
In 1808 he did gallant service during the retreat to Corunna: and in 1809 he took command of the Portuguese Army with the rank of Lt-General. He succeeded in improving its discipline so greatly, as soon to render it highly efficient for active service. For his service at Busaco 1810 he received the thanks of Parliament. He was present at Badajoz and at Salamanca, where he was severely wounded and distinguished himself in many other battles. In 1814 he was created Baron and in 1823 Viscount. In 1823-30 he was master- general of ordnance.
He married Hon. Louisa Beresford, daughter of William Beresford, 1st Baron Decies and Elizabeth FitzGibbon, on 29 November 1832 at Curzon Street, Mayfair, London, England.
He died on 8 January 1854 at age 85 at Bedgebury Park, Kent, England, without legitimate issue.
He was buried on 17 January 1854 at "New Church" Kilndown, Kent, England.
1st and last Viscount Beresford of Beresford was born illegitimately.
He was the son of George de la Poer Beresford, 1st Marquess of Waterford.
He entered the Army in 1785, in 1786 he lost an eye through and accident, and, after serving in all four continents, bore a conspicuous part(1806) in the reconquest of the Cape, and capture of Buenos Aires. The latter achievement was followed by his surrender, but in 1807 he made his escape.
In 1808 he did gallant service during the retreat to Corunna: and in 1809 he took command of the Portuguese Army with the rank of Lt-General. He succeeded in improving its discipline so greatly, as soon to render it highly efficient for active service. For his service at Busaco 1810 he received the thanks of Parliament. He was present at Badajoz and at Salamanca, where he was severely wounded and distinguished himself in many other battles. In 1814 he was created Baron and in 1823 Viscount. In 1823-30 he was master- general of ordnance.
He married Hon. Louisa Beresford, daughter of William Beresford, 1st Baron Decies and Elizabeth FitzGibbon, on 29 November 1832 at Curzon Street, Mayfair, London, England.
He died on 8 January 1854 at age 85 at Bedgebury Park, Kent, England, without legitimate issue.
He was buried on 17 January 1854 at "New Church" Kilndown, Kent, England.
Family Members
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Marcus Beresford
1770–1783
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Henry de la Poer Beresford
1772–1826
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Archbishop John George de la Poer Beresford
1773–1862
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Isabella Anne Beresford Brydges
1776–1850
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Catharine Beresford
1777–1843
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Anne Beresford
1780–1841
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LTG George Thomas Beresford
1781–1839
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Lady Elizabeth Louisa Beresford Reynell
1783–1856
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