de Robeck

The de Robecks have always been fighting men. They descend from a north German family who became all powerful in Estonia during the 17th century. The 2nd Baron de Robeck served with the Franco-American army against the British redcoats in the American War of Independence. His son, the 3rd Baron, fought in Spain during the Napoleonic Wars. The 4th Baron opted for a quieter life, building the present family home of Gowran Grange outside Punchestown and serving as Ranger for the Curragh in the reign of Queen Victoria. His son, Admiral Sir John de Robeck (1862 – 1928, reluctantly witnessed the disastrous attempt to capture the Dardanelles Straits in March 1915. The 5th Baron commanded an artillery battalion in the Great War and married one of the Alexanders of County Carlow. In World war Two, the 6th Baron was instrumental in helping General “Punch” Cowan defeat the Japanese in Burma. The present head of the family is 32-year-old John, 8th Baron de Robeck. A military career is not amongst his plans for the future.

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