Henry Paget, 7th Marquess of Anglesey: Soldier, Historian, and Conservationist
George Charles Henry Victor Paget, known as the 7th Marquess of Anglesey, was a distinguished British peer whose life spanned nearly a century of transition in the United Kingdom. From his service in the Second World War to his prolific contributions to military scholarship and heritage conservation, Lord Anglesey left an indelible mark on both the academic and cultural landscapes of Britain and Wales.
Born in London on October 8, 1922, he was the son of Charles Paget, 6th Marquess of Anglesey, and Lady Victoria Manners. His early life was marked by high-society connections; he was baptised with King George V and Queen Mary of Teck as his godparents. Educated at Wixenford School and Eton College, he spent his early adulthood styled as the Earl of Uxbridge, a courtesy title he held until succeeding to the marquessate in 1947.
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Key Facts
- Full Name: George Charles Henry Victor Paget.
- Titles: 7th Marquess of Anglesey, 8th Earl of Uxbridge, 16th Baron Paget, 10th Baron Burton.
- Military Service: Major in the Royal Horse Guards (Blues) during WWII.
- Major Work: Authored the definitive eight-volume A History of the British Cavalry 1816–1919.
- Conservation: Donated the family estate, Plas Newydd, to the National Trust in 1976.
- Lifespan: October 8, 1922 – July 13, 2013.
Military Career and Public Service
Lord Anglesey's commitment to service began during the Second World War, where he attained the rank of major in the Royal Horse Guards (Blues). Following the war, he continued his involvement in military administration, serving as a lieutenant colonel and Commandant of the Anglesey and Carnarvonshire Army Cadet Force from 1948 to 1950, and later as a captain in the 635th (Royal Welch) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Territorial Army.
His dedication to his home region of Wales was evident in his various civic roles. He served as the Deputy Lieutenant of Anglesey in 1960, the Vice-Lieutenant of Anglesey from 1960 to 1983, and eventually as the Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd between 1983 and 1989.
Contributions to Military History
Beyond his active service, Lord Anglesey became a renowned military historian. He is most celebrated for his exhaustive eight-volume work, A History of the British Cavalry 1816–1919, published between 1973 and 1997, which is widely regarded as the definitive history of that branch of the army.
His other literary contributions include:
- The Capel Letters 1814–1817 (1955): Edited correspondence of the first Marquess's sister.
- One Leg: The Life and Letters of 1st Marquess of Anglesey (1961): A biography of his ancestor.
- Sergeant Pearman's Memoirs (1968).
In recognition of his scholarship, he was awarded an Honorary D.Litt by the University of Wales in 1984 and the Chesney Gold Medal from the Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies in 1996. He also held leadership roles in the Society for Army Historical Research and the Crimean War Research Society.
Heritage and Conservation
Lord Anglesey was a passionate advocate for the preservation of historic buildings and art. He served as the President of the National Museum of Wales (1962–1968), a vice-chairman of the National Trust (1975–1985), and chaired the Historic Buildings Council for Wales from 1977 to 1992. He was also the founding President of the Friends of Friendless Churches.
In a significant act of philanthropy, he gave his ancestral home, Plas Newydd, along with 169 acres of the estate, to the National Trust in 1976. The house was opened to the public on July 1 of that year, though Lord Anglesey and his wife continued to reside in a suite on the upper floor.
Personal Life and Legacy
On October 16, 1948, Lord Anglesey married Elizabeth Shirley Vaughan Morgan, daughter of the novelist Charles Langbridge Morgan. Together they had five children, including Charles Paget, who succeeded him as the 8th Marquess of Anglesey. A notable personal milestone was their attendance at the 1953 Coronation of Elizabeth II; at the time of his death, they were believed to be the only married couple, other than the Queen and Prince Philip, to have attended the event.
Lord Anglesey passed away at his home on July 13, 2013, at the age of 90. He was commemorated with a public memorial service at Bangor Cathedral in June 2014.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Charles Henry Victor Paget |
| Primary Titles | 7th Marquess of Anglesey, 8th Earl of Uxbridge |
| Education | Wixenford School, Eton College |
| Key Publication | A History of the British Cavalry 1816–1919 (8 volumes) |
| Major Donation | Plas Newydd to the National Trust (1976) |
| Death | July 13, 2013 (Aged 90) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the 7th Marquess of Anglesey?
He was George Charles Henry Victor Paget, a British peer, military historian, and conservationist who served as a major in the Royal Horse Guards and wrote the definitive history of the British Cavalry.
What is the significance of Plas Newydd?
Plas Newydd was the ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey. In 1976, the 7th Marquess donated the house and 169 acres of the estate to the National Trust, making it accessible to the general public.
What were his most important written works?
His most significant work is the eight-volume A History of the British Cavalry 1816–1919. He also wrote a biography of his ancestor, One Leg: The Life and Letters of 1st Marquess of Anglesey.
Which royal figures were his godparents?
He was baptised with King George V and Queen Mary of Teck as his godparents.
What military honors did he receive for his historical work?
He was awarded the Chesney Gold Medal by the Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies in 1996 for his contributions to military history.