Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset facts for kids

A portrait of Seymour by John Vanderbank

Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset (born 11 November 1684, died 7 February 1750) was an important British Army officer and politician. He belonged to the Whig party. He served in the House of Commons (a part of the British Parliament) from 1708 to 1722. After that, he became a peer and joined the House of Lords.

Early Life and Education

Algernon Seymour was the only son of Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Percy. She was the only child of Joceline Percy, who was the last Earl of Northumberland in his family line.

When he was 17, Algernon went on a "Grand Tour". This was a long trip around Europe that young noblemen often took. He visited Italy from 1701 to 1703 and Austria in 1705.

A Life in Public Service

Algernon Seymour was elected as a Member of Parliament for Marlborough in 1705. His father helped him get this position. In 1706, he was made Lord-Lieutenant of Sussex, a role he held for the rest of his life. This job meant he was the King's representative in the county.

In 1708, he went to Flanders to serve in the army under the Duke of Marlborough. He brought back important news about the relief of Brussels. Later that year, he was elected as an MP for both Marlborough and Northumberland. He chose to represent Northumberland.

He became a Colonel in the 15th Foot regiment in 1709. He often helped the Whig party in Parliament. In 1710, he was elected again as an MP for Northumberland. He was also appointed Governor of Tynemouth Castle in 1711. This made him a local judge for Northumberland.

In 1714, he became a Groom of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales. This was an important role in the royal household. He was re-elected as an MP for Northumberland in 1715. He also became a colonel of the 2nd Life Guards.

In 1722, his mother passed away. He then became Baron Percy and moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords.

Military Career and Governorships

Algernon Seymour continued his military career. He became a brigadier-general in 1727. In the same year, he was made Governor of Minorca, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. He held this position until 1742.

He was promoted to major-general in 1735 and lieutenant-general in 1739. From 1740 to 1750, he was the colonel of the Royal Horse Guards. He also served as Governor of Guernsey from 1742 until his death in 1750. In 1748, he inherited the title of Duke of Somerset from his father.

Titles and Estates

The Duke of Somerset had only one son, Lord Beauchamp. Sadly, his son died young in 1744 at the age of 19. Because of this, the Duke made plans for his titles and lands to be passed on differently.

In 1748, he was given new titles: Baron Warkworth and Earl of Northumberland. These titles were meant to go to his son-in-law, Sir Hugh Smithson. This way, most of the Percy family's lands would stay in that line.

At the same time, he was also made Baron of Cockermouth and Earl of Egremont. These titles were meant for his nephews, Sir Charles Wyndham and Percy Wyndham-O'Brien.

Family Life

Algernon Seymour married Frances Thynne. They had two children:

• George Seymour, Viscount Beauchamp (born 1725, died 1744). He passed away before his father and was not married.
• Elizabeth Percy (born 1716, died 1776). She inherited the title of 2nd Baroness Percy. She married Sir Hugh Smithson. They later became the 2nd Earl and 1st Duke of Northumberland. They had children.

The Duke of Somerset died in 1750 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. He was one of the wealthiest landowners in England. Since he had no surviving son, his large estates were divided after his death. The title of Duke of Somerset went to a distant cousin, Edward Seymour, 8th Duke of Somerset.

The earldom of Northumberland and most of the traditional Percy lands went to his daughter Elizabeth and her husband. These lands included places like Alnwick Castle, Northumberland House, and Syon House. Petworth in Sussex went to the Duke's nephew, Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont.

Images for kids

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  The family crest of Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset.