Alexander Luttrell (1705–1737) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexander Luttrell MP
Arms of Luttrell: Or, a bend between six martlets sable
Member of Parliament for Minehead
In office 1727–1737
Personal details
Born	10 May 1705 Dunster, Somerset, England
Died	4 June 1737(1737-06-04) (aged 32) Dunster, Somerset, England
Resting place	Priory Churchyard of St. George, Dunster, West Somerset District, Somerset, England
Spouses	Margaret Trevelyan, married 18 April 1724
Children	One daughter
Parents	Alexander Luttrell (1663–1711) and Dorothy Yarde
Alma mater	Christ Church, Oxford
Occupation	Landowner

Alexander Luttrell (born May 10, 1705 – died June 4, 1737) lived at Dunster Castle in Somerset, England. He was an English politician and a landowner. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Minehead from 1727 until he passed away. Minehead was a "pocket borough," meaning his family had a lot of control over who got elected there. Alexander was the last male member of the Luttrell family. They had owned Dunster Castle since 1376.

Early Life and Family Background

Alexander Luttrell was born on May 10, 1705. He was the oldest son of Colonel Alexander Luttrell, who also lived at Dunster Castle. His mother was Dorothy Yarde. She was the daughter of Edward Yarde.

In 1722, Alexander went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university. His younger brother, Francis, went there with him.

On April 18, 1724, Alexander married Margaret Trevelyan. They were married in London. Margaret was the daughter of Sir John Trevelyan, 2nd Baronet. Alexander and Margaret had one daughter named Margaret Luttrell. She was their only child and inherited everything.

Political Career and Later Years

The Luttrell family owned Dunster Castle and the land around it. This gave them a lot of influence in the area. Because of this, they could largely decide who would be elected as the MP for Minehead. This kind of area was known as a "pocket borough."

Alexander Luttrell became a Tory Member of Parliament for Minehead shortly after he turned 21. The Tories were a political group in Britain at the time. In the House of Commons, which is part of the British government, he usually voted against the government's plans. He kept his seat as MP until he died on June 4, 1737. He was buried on June 16, 1737.

After Alexander's death, his family's money situation was not good. His estate, which included his land and property, had to be managed by a special court called the Court of Chancery. This court helps sort out legal and money problems, especially after someone dies.

His wife, Margaret, married again in 1741 to Edward Dyke. She took care of her young daughter, Margaret Luttrell. She also looked after Alexander's niece, Anne Luttrell, and Edward Dyke's niece, Elizabeth Dyke. Margaret, Alexander's widow, passed away in 1764.

Margaret Luttrell, Alexander's daughter, inherited his estates. When she married Henry Fownes, he took on the Luttrell family name and coat of arms. This was a requirement from Alexander's will. Henry Fownes Luttrell also served as a Member of Parliament for Minehead, just like Alexander.

Family Portraits

Many paintings of Alexander Luttrell have been mentioned in historical records. However, it can be tricky to know for sure which painting is him. This is because he looked very similar to his brother, Francis.

One portrait of Alexander from 1729, painted by John Vanderbank, is at Dunster Castle. Other portraits of him were once at Nettlecombe Court and Bathealton Court. Paintings of his wife, Margaret, were also at Dunster Castle in 1909. There were also two portraits of her second husband, Edward Dyke, at Pixton. Today, one portrait of Edward Dyke can be seen at Dunster Castle.

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  Alexander Luttrell (1705-1737)
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  Margaret Luttrell (Trevelyan)(1704-1764)
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  Margaret Fownes Luttrell (1726-1766)
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  Edward Dyke (1688-1746)

See also

• Feudal barony of Dunster