Charles Richard Fox

Charles Richard Fox was born on 6 November 1796 in Brompton. He was the illegitimate son of Henry Richard Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron Holland, and Lady Webster. Henry Vassall-Fox would later marry Lady Webster. Fox died on 13 April 1873.

Initially, Fox served in the Royal Navy before joining the British Army. He became a member of the Grenadiers regiment. In addition to his military career, Fox was known for collecting Greek coins, a collection that was acquired by the Royal Museum of Berlin upon his death in 1873. Notably, he was present during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte's incarceration on Saint Helena. During this period, he removed a key to Napoleon's bedroom, which was later given to his mother, Lady Holland, who was known for her Napoleonic interests. This key was auctioned in 2021.

On 19 June 1824, Fox married Lady Mary FitzClarence at St. George's, Hanover Square, London. She was a daughter of William IV and Dorothy Jordan, his mistress. The marriage did not produce any children.

Fox was active in politics, affiliating with the Whig party. He served in the House of Commons representing several constituencies: Calne (1831–1832), Tavistock (1832–1835), and Stroud (briefly in 1835). He resigned his seat in Stroud to allow Lord John Russell to contest the position. In 1841, Fox was elected as the Member of Parliament for Tower Hamlets, a constituency in east London, and held this seat until 1847.

His military ranks progressed over his career. He was appointed Surveyor-General of the Ordnance in 1841 and again from 1846 to 1852. His promotions included the rank of Major-General on 9 November 1846, Lieutenant-General on 20 June 1854, and eventually full General on 6 March 1863.

His career encapsulated roles in both military service and politics, with notable involvement during significant historical moments, including his proximity to Napoleon during his exile.