William Parke


Sir William Parke was a British Army officer.

Early life

Parke was born in Marylebone, London on 17 May 1822, the son of Charles Parke. He was educated at Eton College.

Military career

Parke was commissioned as an ensign in the 72nd Regiment, Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders on 15 December 1840. He fought in the Crimean War and was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in August 1856. He was also awarded the Order of the Medjidie 5th class. He became Brigadier-General of Field Forces in India in March 1858, Commandant, School of Military Engineering at Fleetwood in August 1861 and colonel on the staff of South-Eastern District in October 1871. He went on to be Brigadier-General at Aldershot in July 1872 and General Officer Commanding South-Eastern District in October 1874.

Later life

Parke died aged 74 on 28 March 1897 at Thornhill, Stalbridge, Dorset.

Family

In 1865 Parke married Anna Maria Nepean, daughter of William Nepean of the 16th Light Dragoons and his wife Emilia Yorke. They had a son and a daughter.