318 Pages

234x156mm, Hardback (also available as paperback)

9781897887851

The two brothers featured were from the notable Cornwallis family; the previous generation had produced the founder of the city of Halifax in Nova Scotia and an Archbishop of Canterbury.

Siblings Charles, a General, and William, an Admiral, were two most interesting characters from the latter part of the 18th century. Between them they gave 100 years service to Britain and played their part in the course of history. Together they developed British interests in India and around the Bay of Bengal. Separately, Charles is remembered for his surrender at Yorktown during the American War of Independence and William, with his highly commendable naval record, helped Nelson to Trafalgar and victory.

Charles died in harness in India and was much publicly praised for his work; there is a substantial memorial in St Paul’s Cathedral and also at Ghazipur. William did not receive great plaudits for his selfless devotion; his memorial is in Milton Church, Hampshire, placed there by the daughter of his greatest friend, to whom he bequeathed his estate.

This book is an attempt to bring the wider story of their two lives together.