Author: Fitzpatrick, Richard
Biography:
FITZPATRICK, Richard (1748-1813: ODNB)
Fitzpatrick had a dashing career as a soldier, politician, and bon viveur; his verses, published without his name, were generally satirical. Baptised at St. George's, Hanover Square, London on 15 Feb. 1748, he was the second son of John Fitzpatrick, Baron Gowran (later Earl of Upper Ossory), and his wife Evelyn Leveson-Gower. He was educated at Westminster School and at the military academy at Caen in France, joined the regiment later known as the Grenadier Guards in 1765, and was promoted to captain in 1772. In 1777-8 he served with the regiment in America, returning as a lieutenant-colonel. By 1803 he had reached the rank of General. Through family connections he became acquainted with Charles James Fox (1749-1806) in 1766 and remained a close friend, confidant, and political advisor of the politician until Fox died. Fitzpatrick himself was elected MP in 1770 and retained a seat in parliament for most of the rest of his life. He held public office from time to time, notably as secretary at war during two brief periods when Fox was in power, 1783 and 1806. A wit and a clubbable man, he collaborated with R. B. Sheridan (q.v.) in The Rival Beauties (1772) and contributed substantially to the Rolliad with Joseph Richardson (q.v.) and others; he also published Dorinda, a Town Eclogue (8 pages, 1775). He never married and died at his home in South St., Grosvenor Square, London. (findmypast.com 16 Sept. 2021; ODNB 16 Sept. 2021) HJ
Other Names:
- R. Fitzpatrick