Jonathan Peel

Jonathan Peel, PC (12 October 1799 – 13 February 1879), was a British military officer and politician. He was also known as a racehorse owner.

**Early Life and Education**

He was born on 12 October 1799, the fifth son of Sir Robert Peel, 1st Baronet, and Ellen (née Yates). His elder brother was Sir Robert Peel, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Peel received his education at Rugby School.

**Military Career**

Peel was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade as a second lieutenant in June 1815. His subsequent military career involved promotions through purchase and service in various regiments. He served as a lieutenant in the 71st Highlanders from 1819 to 1821, and in the Grenadier Guards from 1822 to 1825. He held the rank of major in the 69th Foot from 1826 to 1827 and was a lieutenant-colonel in the 53rd Foot in 1827, at which point he was placed on half-pay. His military promotions included brevet colonel in 1841, major-general in 1854, and lieutenant-general in 1859.

**Political Career**

Peel's parliamentary career began when he was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Norwich in 1826. He lost this seat in 1830 but returned to Parliament in 1831 as one of the two MPs representing Huntingdon, a position he held until 1868. He served in government capacity under his brother as Surveyor-General of the Ordnance from 1841 to 1846. Subsequently, he served as Secretary of State for War under Prime Minister the Earl of Derby during two periods, from 1858 to 1859 and again from 1866 to 1867. In this role, he was regarded as competent and successful, gaining popularity. He resigned in March 1867 in protest against proposed electoral reforms. Peel was admitted to the Privy Council in 1858.

**Racing Interests**

In addition to his military and political pursuits, Peel was involved in racehorse ownership. Notably, his horse Orlando won the Derby in 1844 after the disqualification of another horse, Running Rein.

**Family**

Peel married Lady Alice Jane, youngest daughter of Archibald Kennedy, first Marquis of Ailsa, on 19 March 1824. They had eight children: five sons and three daughters. Their second son, Edmund Yates Peel, became a lieutenant-colonel in the army, and their fourth son, John Peel, achieved the rank of lieutenant-general. Their daughters married prominent individuals: Alice married Sir Robert Morier, a diplomat; Adelaide Georgiana married Michael Biddulph, 1st Baron Biddulph.

**Death**

Jonathan Peel died at the age of 79 on 13 February 1879 at his residence, Marble Hill House in Twickenham, Middlesex. He was buried in Twickenham new cemetery on 19 February 1879. His widow died in 1887.