William Cavendish-Bentinck

September 14, 1774 (age 64)

Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom

Bentinck joined the Coldstream Guards on 28 January 1791 at the age of 16, purchasing an ensign's commission. He was promoted to captain-lieutenant (lieutenant) in the 2nd Regiment of Dragoons on 4 August 1792, and to captain in the 11th Regiment of Light Dragoons on 6 April 1793. He was promoted to major in the 28th Foot on 29 March 1794 and to lieutenant-colonel in the 24th Dragoons that July. On 9 January 1798, Bentinck was promoted to colonel. In 1803 he was nominated governor of Madras, where he quarrelled with the chief justice, Sir Henry Gwillim, and several members of his council. The sepoy mutiny at Vellore in 1807 led to his recall. His name was considered at this time for the post of governor-general, but Lord Minto was selected instead; and it was not until twenty years later that he succeeded Lord Amherst in that office. It was on this last subject that Lord Macaulay's famous minute was written. See Demetrius C. Boulger, Lord William Bentinck, in the " Rulers of India " series (1892).

William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck

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also known as Lord William Bentinck

military statesman

Background

Bentinck was born in Buckinghamshire on the 14th of September 1774. He was the second son of the 3rd duke of Portland.

Career

Bentinck joined the Coldstream Guards on 28 January 1791 at the age of 16, purchasing an ensign's commission. He was promoted to captain-lieutenant (lieutenant) in the 2nd Regiment of Dragoons on 4 August 1792, and to captain in the 11th Regiment of Light Dragoons on 6 April 1793. He was promoted to major in the 28th Foot on 29 March 1794 and to lieutenant-colonel in the 24th Dragoons that July. On 9 January 1798, Bentinck was promoted to colonel.

In 1803 he was nominated governor of Madras, where he quarrelled with the chief justice, Sir Henry Gwillim, and several members of his council.

The sepoy mutiny at Vellore in 1807 led to his recall.

His name was considered at this time for the post of governor-general, but Lord Minto was selected instead; and it was not until twenty years later that he succeeded Lord Amherst in that office.

It was on this last subject that Lord Macaulay's famous minute was written.

See Demetrius C. Boulger, Lord William Bentinck, in the " Rulers of India " series (1892).

Achievements

Bengal became the Governor-General of India. Reforming the court system, he made English, rather than Persian, the language of the higher courts and encouraged western-style education for Indians to provide more educated Indians for service in the British bureaucracy.

Connections

Bentinck married Lady Mary, daughter of Arthur Acheson, 1st Earl of Gosford, on 18 February 1803. The marriage was childless.

Spouse:: Lady Mary Acheson

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William Cavendish-Bentinck

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William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck

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Royal Guelphic Order

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath