Seymour Vesey-FitzGerald

For the Irish statesman, see William Vesey-FitzGerald, 2nd Baron FitzGerald and Vesey.

Sir William Robert Seymour Vesey-FitzGerald, GCSI, GCIE, PC (1818 – 28 June 1885), was an Anglo-Irish politician and colonial administrator. He served as Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs between 1858 and 1859 and as Governor of Bombay between 1867 and 1872.

The Right Honourable Sir Seymour Vesey-FitzGerald GCSI GCIE PC
Caricature by "Spy", 1874
Governor of Bombay
In office 6 March 1867 – 6 May 1872
Monarch	Victoria
Preceded by	Sir Bartle Frere
Succeeded by	Sir Philip Wodehouse
Personal details
Born	1818 (1818) County Clare
Died	28 June 1885 (1885-06-29) Oxford, Oxfordshire
Nationality	British
Political party	Conservative
Spouse	Maria Seymour
Alma mater	Christ Church, Oxford Oriel College, Oxford

Background and education

FitzGerald was the illegitimate son of the 2nd Baron FitzGerald and Vesey. He was educated at both Christ Church, Oxford and Oriel College, Oxford, graduating with a degree in Classics in 1837.

Political career

FitzGerald was elected member for Horsham in 1848, but was unseated on petition. In 1852 he was once again elected for Horsham and was able to hold the seat until 1865.^[1] He served under The 14th Earl of Derby as Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs between 1858 and 1859.

In 1866 he was appointed Governor of Bombay,^[2] admitted to the Privy Council^[3] and (17 August 1887) made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India,^[4] and Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire.

On his return to Britain, he again represented Horsham in parliament from 1874 to 1875.^[1] In 1875, he was appointed Chief Charity Commissioner.^[5]

He married Maria Seymour, daughter of Edward Seymour, in 1840 and had a son and daughter.

See also

• Baron FitzGerald and Vesey