Cecil Bisshopp, 12th Baron Zouche facts for kids
Cecil Bisshopp, 12th Baron Zouche (born 29 December 1752 – died 11 November 1828) was an important person in British history. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. Later, he became the 12th Baron Zouche, a noble title. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group of leading scientists and thinkers.
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Early Life and Family
Cecil Bisshopp was the oldest son of Sir Cecil Bisshopp, 7th Baronet. His family lived at Parham Park in West Sussex, England. When his father passed away in 1779, Cecil inherited the title of Baronet. A Baronet is a special hereditary title, like a knight, that passes down through the family.
His mother was Susanna Hedges. Through her family, Cecil had a claim to the ancient Zouche title. He also studied at Oxford University and in 1791, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Political Career
Cecil Bisshopp became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1780. An MP is someone elected to represent a specific area in the British Parliament. He represented the area of New Shoreham. He served as an MP for two periods: from 1780 to 1790, and again from 1796 to 1806.
Military Service
During the French Revolutionary Wars in 1795, Cecil Bisshopp played a role in defending Britain. He created and led a local volunteer army unit called the Parham Troop of Sussex Yeomanry. This group would practice their drills and exercises at his home, Parham Park. If the weather was bad, they would even train inside the large gallery of his house!
Becoming Baron Zouche
In 1815, Cecil Bisshopp received a very old noble title. The title of Baron Zouche had been "in abeyance," which means it was not being used by anyone. Because he was a descendant of Elizabeth le Zouche, who was related to an earlier Baron, the title was given to him. He then became the 12th Baron Zouche.
Cecil Bisshopp married Harriet Anne. They had two sons and three daughters. Sadly, both of his sons passed away before him.
- His oldest son, Lieutenant-Colonel Cecil Bisshopp, died in 1813 in Canada. He was only 30 years old and had been wounded fighting in a war against the Americans.
- His second son, Lieutenant Charles Cecil, who was in the Royal Navy, died in Jamaica in 1808 from yellow fever.
Succession and Legacy
Because both of his sons died before him, when Cecil Bisshopp passed away in 1828, his titles were divided.
- The Baronetcy (the Sir Cecil Bisshopp title) went to his cousin, George Bisshopp.
- The Barony of Zouche (the Baron title) once again became "in abeyance." This meant it was paused and would later be claimed by one of his daughters.
- His family home, Parham Park, was passed on to his daughter, Harriet Anne, and her husband, Robert Curzon.
