Frederick Stuart

Frederick Stuart was born on 24 September 1751. He was the third son of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, and his wife Mary Wortley Montagu. His father served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1762 to 1763 under King George III. Frederick Stuart's siblings included John Stuart, a politician; James Stuart and Charles Stuart, both soldiers and politicians; William Stuart, an Anglican bishop; and Louisa Stuart, a writer.

He received his education at Winchester College and Christ Church, Oxford. During his youth, he briefly ran away to Paris. Despite his family's high social standing, he was characterized as the "black sheep" of the family. In 1769, his father arranged for him to obtain a writership position at the East India Company, which was uncommon for someone from their social class.

Frederick Stuart worked in Bengal, where he developed a friendship with Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of India. Hastings entrusted Stuart with a diplomatic mission to the Nawab of Arcot. After returning from India in 1775, Stuart entered the British Parliament, representing the Ayr Burghs constituency, a seat associated with his family's influence, following a by-election in 1776.

By 1780, Stuart had no parliamentary seat. Facing financial difficulties, he fled to Paris in 1782. His brother, John Stuart, 1st Marquess of Bute, provided him with refuge and facilitated his return to Parliament in 1796. Upon his return, he represented the constituency of Buteshire, which was also associated with their family interests. There is no record of parliamentary activity during this period.

Frederick Stuart remained unmarried throughout his life. He died in London on 17 May 1802.