From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Clive, 1st Baron Clive of Plassey
,
KB
(29 September 1725 ? 22 November 1774), also known as
Clive of India
, was a
British
soldier who established British control in Southern
India
and
Bengal
. Together with
Warren Hastings
he was one of the key figures in the creation of
British India
.
Robert Clive was born at Styche, the family estate, in the parish in
Moreton Say
, near
Market Drayton
,
Shropshire
. Teachers were unable to control the young Clive. He is said to have climbed the tower of St Mary's Parish Church in Market Drayton and sat on a gargoyle, frightening people down below. He also attempted to set up a protection racket enforced by a gang of youths. Faced with the choice of paying up or receiving a visit from Clive and his 'boys', many of Market Drayton's shopkeepers decided to pay. His bad behaviour resulted in him being expelled from three schools, including Market Drayton Grammar School. He also went to Clifton College School. He boarded there for 3 years.
As an adult Clive worked for the British East India Company. In 1746 he joined the Company army and fought well against the French army in India. He led the winning army in the
Battle of Plassey
during the Seven Years War. He was the first governor of Bengal during 1757 to 1760 in India. He is sometimes called the founder of British empire in India.
The town of
Clive, New Zealand
was named after him. The name was given by
John Curling
.
[1]
- ↑
Reed, A. W. (2010). Peter Dowling (ed.).
Place Names of New Zealand
. Rosedale, North Shore: Raupo. p. 82.
ISBN
9780143204107
.