William Caulfeild

Major William Caulfeild was an officer in the British Army who is primarily known for his work supervising road and bridge construction in the Scottish Highlands in the 18th century.

Early life He was born in Ireland, the son of the Hon. Toby Caulfeild who was a son of the first Viscount Charlemont. By the early 1730s, Caulfeild was serving as a Subaltern in the British Army. After the departure of General Wade in 1740, Caulfeild became responsible for directing all construction of new roads and bridges in Scotland until his death. General Wade was responsible for of road, 40 bridges and 2 forts – whereas Caulfeild was responsible for of road and over 600 bridges.

Other Duties During the Jacobite rising of 1745 Caulfeild also served in the position of quartermaster to Sir John Cope. In 1747, he was also made Deputy Governor of Inverness Castle.

Personal life Caulfeild had at least one son, whom he named Wade Toby Caulfeild after General Wade.

In later life, Caulfeild lived at his home Cradlehall which was built just outside Inverness.

Major Caulfeild died in 1767.