General Richard Ford William Lambart, 7th Earl of Cavan (10 September 1763 – 21 November 1837), styled Viscount Kilcoursie from 1772 to 1778, was a military commander throughout the Napoleonic era and beyond. He was colonial head of Egypt. He suggested to the British government the removal of the Obelisk, known as Cleopatra's Needle, for long centuries embedded in the sand near Alexandria, Egypt. The undertaking was considered too costly and not taken up until 1877. The Needle commemorates the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars.
Between 1813 and 1837, he held the office of Governor of Calshot Castle, a sinecure abolished after his death.
Married to a daughter of Judge Gould; his second wife was sister of Dr Arnold of Rugby. She died of consumption in Torquay, Devon. He was commissioned in 1779.
In 1798 He was promoted to Major-General.
In 1800 he commanded a Division in Egypt under Abercromby
He was Colonel of the 2nd Battalion, 68th Foot between 1801 and 1802. In 1805 he was promoted to Lieutenant-General.
He was Colonel of the 2nd West Indian Regiment between 1805 and 1808.
He was Colonel of the 77th Foot between 1808 and 1811.
He was Colonel of the 58th Regiment of Foot between 1811 and 1823.
He was a General Officer and Colonel of the 45th Regiment of Foot between 1823 and 1837.
He married the daughter of Sir Henry Gould the younger (1710–1794).
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sir William Myers |
Colonel of the 2nd West India Regiment 1805–1808 |
Succeeded by Eyre Power Trench |
| Preceded by Albemarle Bertie |
Colonel of the 77th (East Middlesex) Regiment of Foot 1808–1811 |
Succeeded by Sir Charles Hastings |
| Preceded by George Scott |
Colonel of the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot 1811–1823 |
Succeeded by The Lord Lynedoch |
| Preceded by Frederick Cavendish Lister |
Colonel of the 45th (Nottinghamshire) Regiment of Foot 1823–1837 |
Succeeded by Sir William Henry Pringle |
| Preceded by Sir Harry Burrard |
Governor of Calshot Castle 1813–1837 |
Office abolished |
| Peerage of Ireland | ||
| Preceded by Richard Lambart |
Earl of Cavan 1778–1837 |
Succeeded by Frederick Lambart |