Lady Charlotte Bruce & Lord Nelson

Lady Charlotte Matilda Bruce, Lady Durham (sister in law of my 2nd cousin, Margaret Oswald)

Lady Charlotte Matilda Bruce & Philip Durham: Family Background and Marriage

Lady Charlotte Matilda Bruce was the daughter of Lord Elgin, Charles Bruce, 5th Earl of Elgin, and his wife, Lady Martha Elgin (née White). She was the sister-in-law of Elizabeth Oswald, my cousin, and her brother was General Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin.

Lady Charlotte married Philip Charles Henderson Calderwood Durham, who later rose to prominence as Rear Admiral Philip Durham. Although their marriage produced no children, Philip Durham played a significant role in many historic naval events, making him a noteworthy figure in our family history.

Early Life and Naval Career of Philip Durham

Philip Durham was born in 1763, the fourth of four children and the third son of a wealthy family. At just 14 years old, in 1777, he joined the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Trident. His first year at sea was challenging under a harsh and tyrannical commander, pushing the crew to the brink of mutiny.

In 1778, Durham secured a discharge from the Trident and joined the HMS Edgar, serving in British waters. This assignment proved more educational and rewarding. During his service on the Edgar, Durham participated in the Great Siege of Gibraltar, earning the attention of Admiral Richard Kempenfelt, after whom Kempenfelt Bay in Lake Simcoe, Ontario, is named.

Durham later served on HMS Victory, famously known as Admiral Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, which remains preserved at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Heroism at the Battle of Trafalgar

During the Battle of Trafalgar, Philip Durham commanded the HMS Defiance. In a dramatic encounter, the Defiance rammed the French ship Aigle, severing its bow. A fierce gun battle ensued, and Midshipman Jack Spratt heroically boarded the Aigle single-handedly, enabling Durham’s crew to capture the vessel.

Durham sustained two wounds in hand-to-hand combat but was praised by Admiral Collingwood and Thomas Masterman Hardy for his bravery. The Defiance suffered 17 fatalities and 53 wounded, with significant damage to the ship. After the battle, Durham returned to England and participated in Lord Nelson’s funeral as a banner bearer.

Later Life and Promotions

Philip Durham’s distinguished career continued with promotions to Rear-Admiral (1810), Vice-Admiral (1819), and full Admiral (1830). He was also honored as a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

Durham maintained a friendly relationship with King George III, who enjoyed Durham’s long, entertaining stories, often exclaiming, “That’s a Durham!” in amusement.

Marriage, Inheritance, and Final Years

Following Lady Charlotte’s death in 1816, Durham married Anna Isabella Henderson, a wealthy heiress, in 1817. To secure inheritances from wealthy relatives, he adopted the surnames Henderson and Calderwood. After his second wife’s death in 1844, Durham traveled to Italy, reaching Rome and Naples before succumbing to bronchitis at age 81.