James Rooke (British Army general)

General James Rooke was an English general in the British Army and a politician.

Early life

He was the only son of Major James Rooke and his wife, Jane, daughter and heiress of Tracy Catchmay of Bigsweir House, Monmouthshire. He inherited large estates in Monmouthshire from his mother.

Career

Rooke joined the army in 1759, and by 1779 was a Lieutenant-Colonel of the 14th Foot. He was promoted colonel in 1780, major-general in 1787 and served as colonel commandant of the 4th Battalion, 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot from 1788 to 1796.
In 1796 he was given the colonelcy of the 38th (1st Staffordshire) Regiment of Foot for life and promoted to full General in 1802.
He was a Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire from 1785 until his death.

Personal life and death

Rooke married Elizabeth Brown of St Briavels on 3 September 1776.
Rooke died at age 63 and was buried in St Briavels, Gloucestershire in 1805.