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Alexander Pendarves
Alexander Pendarves.jpg
Alexander Pendarves
Personal details
Born 1662
Died 13 March 1725
London, England
Nationality  Great Britain
Political party Tory
Spouses Lady Dorothy Bourke
Mary Granville Delany
Occupation Politician

Alexander Pendarves was an important person from Cornwall, England. He was a wealthy landowner and a Tory politician. He served as a MP in the House of Commons for many years, from 1689 until his death in 1725.

Who Was Alexander Pendarves?

Alexander Pendarves was born in 1662 and passed away in 1725. He was known for his work in politics and for owning a lot of land in Cornwall. As an MP, he helped make decisions for the country.

His Early Life

Alexander Pendarves grew up in Roscrow, a place in Cornwall, United Kingdom. His father was John Pendarves. Alexander also had two brothers. He went to Exeter College, Oxford and finished his studies in 1682. In the same year, he became a lawyer at Gray's Inn.

A Career in Politics

Alexander Pendarves was a very successful person with many important jobs. Besides being a landowner, he held several public positions.

  • In 1696, he was a Director of the Land-Bank.
  • He was a "Stannator" for Tywarnhaile in 1703. This role involved overseeing tin mining laws in Cornwall.
  • From 1703 to 1705, he worked as a Commissioner of Prizes. This meant he helped manage goods captured during wars at sea.
  • He was also a Commissioner for Sewers in London in 1712.
  • From 1714 to 1715, he was the Surveyor General of the Land Revenues of the Crown. This job involved managing the King's lands.

Serving as an MP

Alexander Pendarves was most famous for being a Member of Parliament. He represented different areas in the House of Commons.

  • He first became an MP for Penryn in 1689. He served there until 1698.
  • He was re-elected for Penryn in 1699 and again in 1701.
  • In 1708, he was elected for Saltash.
  • He returned to represent Penryn in 1710 and again in 1713.
  • Later, he won an election for Helston.
  • Finally, in 1721, he became the MP for Launceston. He held this seat until he died.

In 1711, Alexander Pendarves was part of a group called the October Club. This was a group of Tory MPs who wanted to investigate financial issues in the government.

His Family Life

Alexander Pendarves was married twice. His first wife was Lady Dorothy Bourke.

His second wife was Mary Granville. She was much younger than him. They married in 1718 when Mary was 17 and Alexander was 60. This marriage was arranged partly because Mary's family needed financial help.

After their wedding, they moved to Roscrow Castle. Alexander suffered from a health condition called gout. In 1721, they moved to London. Alexander Pendarves passed away suddenly in his sleep in 1725.

After his death, Roscrow Castle went to his niece. Mary, his wife, did not inherit much from his will. However, Mary later became a well-known artist and writer, famous for her "paper-mosaicks."

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