Family history Tichborne case

tichborne family tree (simplified). baronetcy became extinct in 1968 on death of 14th baronet.

in 1803 seventh baronet, sir henry tichborne, captured french in verdun during napoleonic wars , detained civil prisoner years. him in captivity fourth son, james, , nobly born englishman, henry seymour of knoyle. despite confinement, seymour managed conduct affair daughter of duc de bourbon, result of daughter, henriette felicité, born in 1807. years later, when henriette had passed 20th birthday , remained unmarried, seymour thought former companion james tichborne might make suitable husband—although james close own age , physically unprepossessing. couple married in august 1827; on 5 january 1829 henriette gave birth son, roger charles doughty tichborne.

sir henry had been succeeded in 1821 eldest son, henry joseph, fathered 7 daughters no male heir. baronetcies inherited males, when henry joseph died in 1845 immediate heir younger brother edward, had assumed surname of doughty condition of legacy. edward s son died in childhood, james tichborne became next in line baronetcy, , after him, roger. family s fortunes had been augmented doughty bequest, considerable material prospect.

after roger s birth, james , henriette had 3 more children: 2 daughters died in infancy , second son, alfred, born in 1839. marriage unhappy, , couple spent time apart, in england, in paris roger. consequence of upbringing, roger spoke french, , english heavily accented. in 1845 james decided roger should complete education in england , placed him in jesuit boarding school stonyhurst college, remained until 1848. in 1849 sat british army entrance examinations , took commission in 6th dragoon guards, in served 3 years, in ireland.

when on leave, roger stayed uncle edward @ tichborne park , became attracted cousin katherine doughty, 4 years junior. sir edward , wife, though fond of nephew, did not consider marriage between first cousins desirable. @ 1 point young couple forbidden meet, though continued clandestinely. feeling harassed , frustrated, roger hoped escape situation through spell of overseas military duty; when became clear regiment remain in british isles, resigned commission. on 1 march 1853 left private tour of south america on board la pauline, bound valparaíso in chile.