Archibald William Montgomerie 13th Earl of Eglinton and 1st Earl of Wintoun

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Biography of Archibald William Montgomerie 13th Earl of Eglinton and 1st Earl of Wintoun

The Earl of Eglinton

Archibald William Montgomerie (1812-1861), 13th Earl of Eglinton and 1st Earl of Wintoun, was University Rector from 1852 to 1854 and Dean of Faculties, 1847 to 1849. The Eglinton Fellowship is named for him.

Born in Sicily and educated at Eton College, Eglinton lived at Eglinton Castle in Ayrshire and was a leading patron of horse racing. He became famous as the organiser of the Eglinton Tournament in 1839, a medieval tournament and banquet which attracted 100,000 spectators (but was ruined by torrential rain.

Despite his reputation for high living, Eglinton played an active role in public life. He campaigned on a variety of issues in the House of Lords and he served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1852 and in 1858-1859.

After being defeated in the rectorial elections of 1843 and 1844, Eglinton defeated the Duke of Argyll in 1852. He was opposed in an election in 1853, when he tied with Alfred, Lord Tennyson and refused to give a casting vote. The Vice-Rector, Professor Harry Rainy, voted for him to serve for a second year.

Summary

Archibald William Montgomerie 13th Earl of Eglinton and 1st Earl of Wintoun
Politician and Horse Racing Patron
Born 29 September 1812.
Died 4 October 1861.
University Link: Dean of Faculties, Rector
Occupation categories: politicians; racehorse owners
NNAF Reference: GB/NNAF/P157933
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Record last updated: 11th Mar 2008