Background
He inherited the title Earl of Home in 1720 on the death of his father, Alexander Home, 7th Earl of Home.
He inherited the title Earl of Home in 1720 on the death of his father, Alexander Home, 7th Earl of Home.
Lord Home was a well-known spendthrift. He was commissioned into the 2nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards in 1735. Home married wealthy Jamaican-English heiress Elizabeth Lawes for her fortune on Christmas Day 1742.
The couple remained technically married, however, and the Countess of Home went on to become a society figure, entertaining lavishly at her London home, Home House.
Lord Home fought at the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745 under Sir John Cope. He did well as most of the Jacobite forces were in England making their way to Derby with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
On 11 August 1750 he became colonel of the 48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot and on 29 April 1752 he became colonel of the 25th (Edinburgh) Regiment of Foot until his death. In 1757 he was made Governor of Gibraltar and in 1759 he was promoted to Lieutenant General.
He was meant to return to England on 29 April 1761 but he died the day before in Gibraltar.
She was buried in Westminster Abbey. The United Kingdom Government has a painting of Major General William Home in its collection attributed to the British school of painters.
Distinguishing service meant that he was given command of the Glasgow volunteer regiment of foot which was given orders to defend Stirling.
