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Lot Essay
Colonel Lewis Guy Phillips (1831-1887), Grenadier Guardsman, was born in London, and educated at Eton and then Christ Church, Oxford. He joined the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, gaining his first commission as Ensign-Lieutenant by purchase in June 1855, and was promoted to the rank of Captain in June 1859. He was multi-lingual and travelled extensively during his military career. Phillips was with General Lee's army at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Phillips retired from the British Army in 1885 with the honorary rank of Major-General. He was appointed Camp Commandant in 1870 in charge of the rifle ranges at the National Rifle Association, Wimbledon, which transferred to Bisley in 1890. He lived in London until his death in 1887 at the age of 56.
A good cricketer, a wonderful runner, and a marvellous boxer.... Although blessed with a knowledge of modern tongues that would have benefited the Diplomatic Service, he chose the Army as a serious profession.... He is an acute bibliophile.... He has never broken the eleventh commandment, and, possibly for this reason, he has never been married.
Vanity Fair, 'Men of the Day', No. 229, 1880.
A good cricketer, a wonderful runner, and a marvellous boxer.... Although blessed with a knowledge of modern tongues that would have benefited the Diplomatic Service, he chose the Army as a serious profession.... He is an acute bibliophile.... He has never broken the eleventh commandment, and, possibly for this reason, he has never been married.
Vanity Fair, 'Men of the Day', No. 229, 1880.