Ashe Windham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ashe Windham
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Windham by Godfrey Kneller, 1689 (Felbrigg Hall)
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| Member of Parliament for Norfolk |
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| In office 1708–1710 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 February 1673 |
| Died | 4 April 1749 (aged 76) Felbrigg |
| Resting place | Felbrigg |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Whigs |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Dobyns |
| Children | 1 legitimate; 1 illegitimate |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Sir James Ashe, 2nd Baronet (uncle) |
Ashe Windham (born February 17, 1673 – died April 4, 1749) was an important landowner and politician from Felbrigg, Norfolk, England. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1708 to 1710.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ashe Windham was the oldest son of William Windham and Katherine Ashe. His family had lived at Felbrigg Hall since the mid-1400s. When he was young, he went to Eton College, a famous school. After his father passed away in 1689, Ashe inherited the family estate.
He then studied at King's College, Cambridge. From 1693 to 1696, he went on a "grand tour" around Italy. This was a common trip for young, wealthy men to learn about art, history, and culture in Europe.
In 1708, he was going to marry Hester Buckworth, but she sadly died. The next year, in 1709, he married Elizabeth Dobyns. She was a wealthy heiress, meaning she inherited a lot of money and property.
Becoming a Politician
Ashe Windham first thought about becoming a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1699. He wanted to represent Norfolk, just like his father had tried to do.
Some people had concerns about him because of his time in Italy. One person, Humphrey Prideaux, said that Ashe Windham was "all over Italiz’d." This meant he was seen as having ideas from Italy, especially in politics. He was thought to be a "Commonwealthsman," which meant he believed in a government where people had more say, rather than just a king or queen. He was also known for not wanting to get married for a long time. Even with these views, he was considered very smart and had a large estate.
In 1705, Ashe Windham decided not to run for election. Instead, he supported his friend and cousin, Roger Townshend. But in the 1708 British general election, Ashe Windham ran for the Norfolk seat and won without anyone running against him. This made him the first person from his family to be an MP. At that time, he was said to have one of the biggest estates of any non-noble person in the country.
Time in Parliament
While in the House of Commons, Ashe Windham was part of the Whigs political party. The Whigs generally supported a stronger Parliament and less power for the monarch.
He voted for important laws, like allowing people from other countries (called Palatines) to become citizens in 1709. He also voted for the impeachment of Dr. Sacheverell in 1710. Impeachment is when a public official is accused of serious wrongdoing.
In the 1710 British general election, Ashe Windham ran again for Norfolk with Robert Walpole II. However, they both lost the election. Ashe Windham decided not to run for Parliament again in 1713.
Later Life and Family
Ashe Windham's marriage to Elizabeth Dobyns did not last. After their son was born in 1717, the couple separated. Ashe Windham then went back to his home at Felbrigg. He spent his time managing his large estates and making sure his son received a good education. He also had another daughter.
Today, you can see a portrait of Ashe Windham painted by a famous artist named Sir Godfrey Kneller. This painting is kept at Felbrigg Hall, which is now looked after by the National Trust.
Images for kids
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Windham by Godfrey Kneller, 1689 (Felbrigg Hall)
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Mural monument to Ashe Windham, St Margaret's Church, Felbrigg
