Frederick Hay Swinfen

He was born c1827 and joined the 5th Dragoon Guards shortly before they were sent to the Crimea. He fought in the charge of the heavy brigade at Balaclava and was promoted to Captain without purchase immediately afterwards. He was a litigant in the famous case of Swinfen v Swinfen, a complex court case concerning the will of Samuel Swinfen (died 1854) owner of Swinfen Hall in Staffordshire. Captain Frederick Hay Swinfen claimed against Samuel's widowed daughter-in-law, Patience Swinfen a former scullery maid. Patience's second lawyer, Charles Rann Kennedy was tricked by her when she promised him 20,000 pounds if he won the case. She did win and took possession of the whole estate worth 60,000 pounds, but said she had no intention of paying Kennedy. Frederick was married to Clara Emma in 1852. The Edinburgh Gazette of 20th Oct 1869 announced his promotion from major to lieutenant-colonel, at which time he commanded the 5th DG. He retired with the honorary rank of colonel and became a Military Knight of Windsor. He lived at 14 Castle Yard, Windsor Castle and died on 22nd June 1914. The painting is of Major Swinfen in 1861 by Alfred de Prades.

Regimental details | Commanding Officers

Regimental details | Colonels