Chaloner Arcedeckne facts for kids
Chaloner Arcedeckne (born around 1743 in Jamaica – died 20 December 1809) was an English politician. He was also a wealthy landowner who owned large sugar plantations in Jamaica during the time of British rule.
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Who Was Chaloner Arcedeckne?
Chaloner Arcedeckne came from the Arcedeckne family, who were originally from Ireland but later settled in Suffolk, England. His father, Andrew Arcedeckne, was an important lawyer in Jamaica, known as the Attorney General of Jamaica. In 1734, his father started a big sugar plantation in Jamaica called Golden Grove. This plantation relied on the labor of many people. Chaloner's mother was Elizabeth Kersey.
Chaloner was born in Jamaica. People born in the West Indies to European parents were sometimes called "creoles" at that time. He went to famous schools in England: Eton and Christ Church, Oxford.
Becoming a Wealthy Landowner
When his father passed away, Chaloner Arcedeckne inherited the large sugar plantations in Jamaica. Since he lived in England and not on the plantations, he was called an "absentee proprietor." This meant he owned the land but wasn't there to manage it every day.
He had a business partner, Benjamin Cowell, who helped arrange insurance for the sugar shipments sent from Golden Grove to England. Chaloner also relied on a manager in Jamaica named Simon Taylor (sugar planter). Simon Taylor was a very successful sugar planter himself and managed Chaloner's properties, often communicating with him about the business.
Chaloner Arcedeckne's Political Career
In the 1770s, Chaloner Arcedeckne lived at a grand house called Cockfield Hall. Later, in 1794, he built his own large home, Glevering Hall.
Chaloner Arcedeckne became a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to represent an area in the British government.
- In 1780, he became the MP for Wallingford.
- In 1784, he became the MP for Westbury.
He later left his role as MP for Westbury. He also held an important local position as High Sheriff of Suffolk from 1797 to 1798. The High Sheriff was responsible for law and order in the county.
Family Life and Legacy
Chaloner Arcedeckne passed away on 20 December 1809. He was married to Catherine Leigh. They had four children: two sons named Andrew and Chaloner, and two daughters named Frances-Katherine and Mary-Louisa. His son, Andrew, also followed in his footsteps and became a Member of Parliament.
