Benjamin C. Stephenson

Sir Benjamin Charles Stephenson, GCH (1766 – 10 June 1839) was a British courtier and government official in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. After military service, he served kings George III, George IV, and William IV. He was, from 1813 to 1832, Surveyor-General (head of the Office of Works).

Career Stephenson joined the army, serving in the 9th Regiment of Light Dragoons and the 3rd Dragoon Guards. He saw action at the Battle of Famars and the Siege of Valenciennes in 1793, and in later skirmishes was seriously wounded. When the Board merged with the Department of Woods and Forests in 1832, Stephenson was appointed a Commissioner in that department.

Promoted a Knight Commander of the Guelphic Order of Hanover in 1830 and Knight Grand Cross in 1834, he died at his London home in Bolton Row, Piccadilly on 10 June 1839 and was buried in the family vault in Kensington churchyard on 15 June. William Henry's son, also named Benjamin Charles Stephenson was a prominent English dramatist, lyricist and librettist.