Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family Ancestry

Major General Henry Trotter and His Distinguished Family

Photo Source: mortonhallgc.co.uk

This is a photograph of my paternal 4th cousin, five times removed, Major General Henry Trotter, 11th Baron of Mortonhall, Knight of the Grand Cross and Deputy Lieutenant, along with his four sons—also my cousins. From left to right, his sons are:

• Captain Reginald Baird Trotter – Killed in action, 1915

• Colonel Edward Henry Trotter – Killed in action, 1916

• Brigadier General Gerald Frederick Trotter – Companion of the Order of the Bath, Order of St. Michael & St. George, Distinguished Service Order, and Casualty Visiting Officer

• Colonel Algernon Reginald Trotter – Distinguished Service Order, Member of the Royal Victorian Order

It is remarkable, though perhaps unsurprising, to find multiple ancestors with distinguished military careers. Yet, seeing so many high-ranking officers in a single family is extraordinary.

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Military Career of Major General Henry Trotter

Henry Trotter held a notable military career, commanding the Brigade of Guards and serving as General Officer Commanding the Home District, positions he held from 1895 to 1903. In 1902, he acted as Chief Staff Officer to the Duke of Connaught during preparations for the coronation of King Edward VII.

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Mortonhall House: Family Estate and Historic Landmark

The Trotter family resided at Mortonhall House, originally built in 1769 and updated in 1835. Today, Mortonhall House remains a listed historic building. (Photos courtesy of Bryan Hickman.)

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Family Life

Henry Trotter married Eva Gifford on May 24, 1866, at St. George’s Church, Hanover Square, London, a site where several of my ancestors—including my great-great-grandparents, Richard and Eliza Tinsdill—were also married. St. George’s Church remains a prominent West End landmark, popular today for celebrity weddings.

Henry and Eva had five children, including one daughter, Meta Trotter, who is not pictured above.

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Legacy

Major General Henry Trotter passed away in 1905, leaving behind a legacy of military distinction and a family deeply embedded in British history. The Trotters’ contributions to the military, along with their historic family estate, continue to be celebrated today.