Benjamin Hobhouse facts for kids
Sir Benjamin Hobhouse, 1st Baronet (1757–1831) was an important English politician. He served as a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country, from 1797 to 1818.
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Sir Benjamin Hobhouse's Life
Benjamin Hobhouse was born in 1757. His father, John Hobhouse, was a merchant in Bristol. Benjamin went to Bristol grammar school and then to Brasenose College, Oxford for his university studies. He earned his first degree in 1778 and a master's degree in 1781. After university, he became a lawyer, joining the Middle Temple.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1796, Hobhouse tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bristol but wasn't successful. However, in February 1797, he was elected as an MP for Bletchingley in Surrey. Later, he represented Grampound in Cornwall starting in 1802. In 1806, he became the MP for Hindon in Wiltshire. He continued to represent Hindon until 1818, when he decided to leave politics.
His Roles in Government
In 1803, Benjamin Hobhouse took on a role as a secretary for the board of control under Henry Addington. This board helped manage affairs in British India. He left this job in May 1804. In 1805, he became the chairman of the committees for supplies, which meant he helped manage government spending. He also led a group that looked into the debts of leaders in the Carnatic region of India.
Important Achievements
Benjamin Hobhouse was given the special title of Baronet on 22 December 1812. This is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in his family.
He was also involved in many important societies:
- He was the president of the Bath and West of England Society from 1805 to 1817. This society focused on improving agriculture and arts.
- He chaired the committee of the Literary Fund, which supported writers.
- He was a fellow of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists.
- He was also a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, which studies history and old things.
- In 1818, he was made an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Sir Benjamin Hobhouse passed away in Berkeley Square on 14 August 1831.
Sir Benjamin Hobhouse's Family
Sir Benjamin Hobhouse was married twice.
- In September 1785, he married Charlotte Cam. She passed away in 1791.
- In April 1793, he married Amelia Parry.
He had five children with his first wife and fourteen children with his second wife. His oldest son, John Cam Hobhouse, also became a well-known politician.
