Andrew Bayntun-Rolt facts for kids

Sir Andrew Bayntun-Rolt (1755–1816) was an important British politician and landowner. He lived at Spye Park in Bromham, Wiltshire. From 1780 to 1786, he served as a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament.

Andrew was the only surviving son of Sir Edward Bayntun-Rolt, who was the first Baronet, and his mother Mary Poynter. Records show he was born on September 28, 1755, and baptized on October 31, 1755, at St Nicholas' Church in Bromham. When his father passed away in 1800, Andrew inherited the title of Baronet. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down through the family. Later, in 1802-1803, he also held the important local role of High Sheriff of Wiltshire.

Being a Member of Parliament

How Andrew Became an MP

Andrew Bayntun-Rolt became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area called Weobley. He was chosen without anyone running against him in a special election on March 31, 1780. This happened because a powerful person, Lord Weymouth, supported him.

His Time in Parliament

Andrew was re-elected without opposition in the general elections of 1780 and 1784. However, there are no records of him ever speaking in the House of Commons. It seems he held the seat temporarily. He stepped down from his role in April 1786. This was so that Lord Weymouth's oldest son, Thomas Thynne, could take his place once he was old enough to be an MP.

Andrew's Family Life

His Marriages

Sir Andrew Bayntun-Rolt was married twice. His first wife was Lady Mary Alicia Coventry. She was the daughter of George Coventry, 6th Earl of Coventry. They married on June 28, 1777, in London. They had one daughter together:

• Maria Barbara Bayntun-Rolt (born 1780). She later married Rev. Dr. John Starky in 1797.

Andrew's second wife was Anna Maria Maud. They married on May 18, 1787. They did not have any children together.

Children from Other Relationships

Andrew Bayntun-Rolt also had several children from other relationships. He had many children with his partner, Harriet Maria Poynter, while living at Spye Park and in Bromham. Some of these children did not live to adulthood.

He also had six more children with his partner, Anne Power, in areas near Bath, Somerset. Most of these children grew up to be adults.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Andrew Bayntun-Rolt passed away on August 12, 1816. He made sure to provide for his children who were still alive in his will. However, he did not have any sons from his marriages who lived to inherit his title. Because of this, his Baronet title ended when he died. His estate, including Spye Park, went to his only surviving daughter from his marriage, Maria Barbara.

A special memorial for Sir Andrew can be found on the south wall of St Nicholas' Church in Bromham, close to his family home of Spye Park.

After Andrew's death, Harriet Maria Poynter and Anne Power both married other people and did not have more children.

The Spye Park estate was sold in 1864 due to financial reasons within the family. This meant the estate was no longer owned by the Bayntun-Rolt family.

Interestingly, one of Andrew's children, Wilmot Robert Bayntun Power, became the grandfather of George Bayntun. George Bayntun later started a famous bookbinding business in Bath.