Taylor , Sir , Herbert , 1775-1839 , Knight , courtier and army officer

Sir Herbert Taylor was born in 1775. While his family travelled on the continent he received private tuition and became a good linguist. Through an acquaintance with Lord Grenville, he obtained a job in the foreign office where his knowledge of languages was useful. Taylor met Prince Frederick, Duke of York (1763-1827), in 1793. He was given a commission as cornet in the 2nd dragoon guards, and promoted to Lieutenant, in 1974. He remained with the Duke of York as assistant secretary. He accompanied Lord Cornwallis to Ireland as his aide-de-camp, military secretary and private secretary, in 1798. He became private secretary to the Duke of York, from 1799-1805, receiving promotions to major, and lieutenant colonel. He became Private Secretary to the King in 1805, and then to Queen Charlotte after the establishment of the regency. He was knighted in 1819. He was made Colonel of the 83rd foot in 1823, and promoted to Lieutenant-General in 1825. He became deputy secretary of war in the War Office in 1827, and the King made him his principal aide-de-camp. The following year he became Adjutant-General of the Forces, and then later, Private Secretary to William IV. He retired in 1837 and died in 1839. Taylor had been a confidential friend of the Duke of York, and wrote the Memoirs of the last Illness and Decease of HRH the Duke of York (London, 1827).