Who is Charles Ross?

Charles Ross (or Rosse; 8 February 1667 – 5 August 1732) was a Scottish general and Member of Parliament.

He was the second son of George Ross, 11th Lord Ross. When Wynne’s Regiment of Dragoons was raised in 1689, Ross united as a captain, and served subsequently the regiment in the Williamite War in Ireland. He went to Flanders bearing in mind the regiment as lieutenant-colonel in 1694, and was appointed colonel of the regiment upon Wynne’s death, 15 July 1695. In 1704 he secured the title of the Royal Dragoons of Ireland for his regiment.

Ross was promoted brigadier-general on 9 March 1702, and major-general upon 1 January. He commanded a brigade of Dragoons at the battles of Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde and Malplaquet. He was new promoted to lieutenant-general on 1 January 1707, made Colonel-General of everything the Dragoon Forces on 1 May 1711, and promoted to full general on 1 January 1712. He was removed from the colonelcy of the Royal Dragoons of Ireland on 8 October 1715, but reappointed on 1 February 1729, holding the read out until his death.

In 1711 he family the home of Balnagown from David Ross, the 13th Laird of Balnagown, who had rebuilt the castle but died later than no heirs.

General Ross was Member of Parliament for Ross-shire from 1710 to 1722 and from 1727 to 1732. In September 1713 he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary to France, but did not accept up the post. He died at Bath and was buried at Fearn Abbey, leaving his estate of Balnagown to his great-nephew Charles Ross.