Colonel His Grace The Duke of Manchester |
|
---|---|
Governor of Jamaica | |
In office 1808–1827 |
|
Monarch |
George III George IV |
Preceded by | Sir Eyre Coote |
Succeeded by | John Keane |
Postmaster General | |
In office 1827 – 15 November 1830 |
|
Monarch |
George IV William IV |
Prime Minister |
George Canning The Viscount Goderich The Duke of Wellington |
Preceded by | Lord Frederick Montagu |
Succeeded by | The Duke of Richmond |
Personal details | |
Born | 21 October 1771 |
Died | 18 March 1843 Rome, Italy |
(aged 71)
Nationality | British |
Spouse(s) | Lady Susan Gordon (1774–1828) |
Colonel William Montagu, 5th Duke of Manchester (21 October 1771 – 18 March 1843), styled Viscount Mandeville until 1788, was a British peer, soldier, colonial administrator and politician.
Manchester was the eldest surviving son of George Montagu, 4th Duke of Manchester, and Elizabeth, daughter of Sir James Dashwood, 2nd Baronet. He was educated at Harrow and then served in the British Army, achieving the rank of colonel in 1794.
Manchester was Governor of Jamaica from 1808 to 1827. During his term, he oversaw the emancipation of slaves in the colony. In 1815 he dealt with the aftermath of the Port Royalfire and the devastation of Jaimacan plantations by a hurricane.Manchester Parish in Jamaica was named after him, while the capital of Mandeville was named after his son, Viscount Mandeville.
After his return to Britain Manchester served as Postmaster General between 1827 and 1830 (succeeding his younger brother Lord Frederick Montagu). He was also Lord Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire between 1793 and 1841.
Manchester married Lady Susan Gordon, third daughter of Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon, on 7 October 1793. They had eight children: