Robert Duff

As you walk through the chancel, take a glance to the right at the very ornate memorial on the right-hand (south) wall. It commemorates Rt. Hon Robert William Duff, GCMG of Fetteresso Castle. But it doesn’t really give the full story.

Robert was born in 1835 in Banffshire, a member of the landed gentry, but was educated in London. Aged 13, he joined the Royal Navy, and rose eventually to the rank of Commander after 22 years’ service. However, whilst still in the Navy, he was elected MP for Banffshire in 1862, and served for 32 years. He was part of the “Adullamites”, a short-lived anti-reform faction within the UK Liberal Party. This name is based on a biblical reference to the cave of Adullam where David and his allies sought refuge from Saul. Also whilst in the Navy, aged 27, he inherited Fetteresso Castle from his uncle. So he would have been very present whilst St. James was being built.

Eventually in 1893, he retired as an MP to be appointed as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of New South Wales. He had a turbulent term of office, having to deal with electoral mismanagement and arguments with the state premier. Very unfortunately, after a visit to Tasmania, he caught hepatitis and died in 1895, aged 60, after only two years in office. He is buried in a church called St James the Great, Sydney, a curious co-incidence.

His wife survived for a further 30 years. They had seven children, three sons and four daughters.

Quite a life, even by the standards of Victorian Britain.

In memory of Rt Hon Robert William Duff, GCMG Of Fetteresso Castle Governor and C-in-C of New South Wales 1893 – 1895 Died at Government House, Sydney 13/3/1895

St James' Church, Sydney, New South Wales

This tablet was erected by The Women of New South Wales as a Tribute of Sympathy with Lady Duff and her Family

Newspaper report on 3rd September 1896 describing the installation of the memorial on the north side of the chancel.