Charles Cocks, 1st Baron Somers facts for kids

Charles Cocks, 1st Baron Somers (born June 29, 1725 – died January 30, 1806) was an important British politician. For many years, from 1747 to 1784, he served in the House of Commons, which is a key part of the British Parliament. He was known as Sir Charles Cocks, 1st Baronet for a period before he became a Baron.

Early Life and Education

Charles Cocks was born on June 29, 1725. His father was John Cocks, and his mother, Mary Cocks, was also his cousin. His family had connections to important people, including his great-uncle, John Somers, 1st Baron Somers, who was once the top judge in England, known as the Lord Chancellor.

Charles went to Worcester College, Oxford, a famous university, in 1742. Later, in 1745, he studied law at Lincoln's Inn in London. He became a lawyer in 1750, which meant he could practice law.

A Career in Politics

Charles Cocks began his political career in 1747. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Reigate. An MP is someone chosen by voters to represent them in the House of Commons. He held this position for a long time, until 1784.

During his time as an MP, Charles Cocks also held important government jobs. From 1758 to 1772, he worked as the Clerk of Deliveries of the Ordnance. This meant he helped manage the supplies for the military. Then, from 1772 to 1782, he became the Clerk of the Ordnance, taking on even more responsibility for military equipment and supplies.

Becoming a Baron

In 1771, Charles Cocks inherited his father's estate. The next year, in 1772, he was given a special title: he became a Baronet. This meant he could use the title "Sir."

Later, in 1784, he received an even higher honor. The title of "Baron Somers," which had belonged to his great-uncle, was brought back. Charles Cocks was then made Baron Somers, of Evesham. This meant he became a "peer," a member of the nobility, and could sit in the House of Lords, another part of the British Parliament.

Lord Somers passed away on January 30, 1806. He was buried in Eastnor, Herefordshire, where a special monument was created by the artist William Humphries Stephens to remember him.

Family Life

Lord Somers was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Eliot, whom he married in 1759. She passed away in 1771.

In 1772, he married his second wife, Anne Pole. Charles Cocks had children from both marriages. His son from his first marriage, John, inherited his titles after his death. John later became an even higher-ranking noble, the Earl Somers, in 1821. Anne, Lady Somers, lived until 1833.