Arthur Annesley, 5th Earl of Anglesey facts for kids

Arthur Annesley, 5th Earl of Anglesey (born around 1678 – died March 31, 1737) was an important politician from both England and Ireland. He was a member of the Tory political party.

Arthur Annesley served in the English House of Commons and the British House of Commons from 1702 to 1710. He was also a member of the Irish House of Commons during the same period. Later, he inherited the title of Earl of Anglesey. This meant he joined the British and Irish House of Lords. He held a key role as Vice-Treasurer in Ireland from 1710 to 1716. He was also part of a special group that helped manage the country when King George I took the throne.

Arthur Annesley's Early Life and Family

Arthur Annesley was the third son in his family. His father was James Annesley, 2nd Earl of Anglesey. His mother was Elizabeth Manners.

Education and Early Career

Arthur began his education at Eton College around 1693. Eton is a famous school in England. In 1689, he became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber for King William III. This was an important role in the royal court.

He continued his studies at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1699. The next year, he became a fellow at the college. In 1724, he donated money to Magdalene College. This money helped create a librarian job for the Pepys Library.

Marriage

In 1702, Arthur Annesley married his cousin, Mary Thompson. She was the daughter of John Thompson, 1st Baron Haversham.

Arthur Annesley's Political Journey

Arthur Annesley had a long career in politics. He held several important positions.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1702, Arthur Annesley was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Cambridge University in England. He was a member of the Tory party. The next year, in 1703, he was also elected to the Parliament of Ireland. He represented New Ross, which was near his family's land.

He held both of these parliamentary seats until 1710. This was when his brother, John, passed away. Arthur then inherited the title of 5th Earl of Anglesey. This meant he moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords. He became a member of both the British and Irish House of Lords.

Key Roles and Challenges

In 1710, Arthur Annesley joined the British Privy Council. A year later, he joined the Irish Privy Council. These councils were groups of important advisors to the monarch.

He was appointed as the Vice-Treasurer and Paymaster General in Ireland. This was a significant financial role. He hoped to become the Viceroy of Ireland. This was the King's main representative in Ireland. However, another person, the Duke of Shrewsbury, got the job instead.

Arthur Annesley disagreed with some decisions. He opposed a trade agreement with France. He also tried to make things difficult for the new Viceroy in Ireland.

Changes in Power

In 1714, he was asked to help reorganize the Irish Army. But then Queen Anne died in August of that year. Arthur Annesley became part of a special group called the regency commission. This group managed the country until King George I arrived from Hanover.

After plans were announced to reduce the size of the Irish army, Arthur Annesley lost his position at court by 1715. In 1716, he was officially removed from his office. It was publicly stated that he left voluntarily.

Later Years

From 1722 to 1737, he served as the High Steward of the University of Cambridge. This was an important ceremonial role.

When King George I died in 1727, Arthur Annesley encouraged Irish Tories to seek favor with the new king. However, he only gained a few positions for them. He himself was appointed Governor of County Wexford.

Death

Arthur Annesley passed away on March 31, 1737. He died in Farnborough, Hampshire, England, where he was buried. He and his wife did not have any children. His cousin, Richard Annesley, inherited his title and became the 6th Earl of Anglesey.