James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan

James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan (October 16, 1797 – March 28, 1868) commanded the Light Brigade during the Crimean War.

Related Topics:
October 16 - 1797 - March 28 - 1868 - Crimean War

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He was born in Hambleden, Buckinghamshire and educated at Christ Church, Oxford. He was MP for Marlborough in Wiltshire from 1818 to 1829, before inheriting the earldom from his father in 1837. By this time he was a serving army officer having joined the 8th Hussars in May 1824, at the age of 27. He made extensive use of the sale of commissions system then in use and became a Lieutenant in January 1825, a Captain in June 1826, a Major in August 1830 and a Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1830. In 1833, he was been forced to resign from the 15th Hussars because of conflicts with fellow officers, but in 1836 he took command of the 11th Hussars, using his own fortune to improve its performance. He was prosecuted in 1841 for a duel with one of his own officers, but was acquitted. His most famous exploit took place during the Crimean War when, in command of the Light Cavalry Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, he led the Charge of the Light Brigade reaching the Russian guns before returning unscathed. It was during his service in the Crimea that the cardigan sweater was named after him.

Related Topics:
Hambleden - Buckinghamshire - Christ Church, Oxford - Marlborough - Wiltshire - 1818 - 1829 - Earldom - 1837 - 1824 - Sale of commissions - 1833 - 1836 - 11th Hussars - 1841 - Duel - Crimean War - Battle of Balaclava - Charge of the Light Brigade - Crimea - Cardigan sweater

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