Conyers Darcy facts for kids
Sir Conyers Darcy (born around 1685, died 1758) was an important person in British history. He was an army officer, worked for the royal court, and was a politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government where laws are made. He served there for many years, from 1707 to 1758.
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Early Life and Education
Conyers Darcy was born into an important family. His father was John Darcy, who was also a Member of Parliament. Conyers had an older brother named Robert Darcy.
He likely went to Eton College, a famous school, in 1698. Later, he studied at King's College, Cambridge in 1703. After his studies, he joined the army. From 1706 to 1715, he was a cornet and major in the 1st Life Guards, a special cavalry regiment.
Political Career
Conyers Darcy became a Member of Parliament for Yorkshire in 1707. This means he was chosen by the people to represent them in the government. However, he lost his seat in the next election in 1708.
Even so, he continued to work for the government. In 1710, he became a gentleman of horse. In 1711, he was made avener and clerk martial. From 1712 to 1714, he helped manage the royal horses as a commissioner for the Master of the Horse office.
Returning to Parliament
In 1715, Darcy was elected as a Member of Parliament again, this time for Newark. He was also appointed commissioner for the Master of the Horse office once more.
He later joined a group of politicians who disagreed with the government at the time. Because of this, he lost his official jobs in 1717. However, when the different political groups worked together again, he was given a new important role. In 1720, he became the Master of the Household, which meant he managed the royal household.
Further Roles and Honors
In 1722, he was elected to Parliament for two different areas: Boroughbridge and Richmond. He chose to represent Richmond.
In 1725, he received a special honor. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. This is a very old and respected award given for public service.
In 1727, he became the Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding of Yorkshire. This was an important position where he represented the King in that area. He held this job until 1740.
He continued to be elected to Parliament for Richmond in 1734 and 1741. In 1730, he was promoted to Comptroller of the Household and became a Privy Counsellor. Being a Privy Counsellor meant he advised the King.
In 1747, he was elected for both Yorkshire and Richmond again. This time, he chose to represent Yorkshire. He was re-elected for Yorkshire in 1754, continuing his long career in government.
Family and Home
In 1714, Conyers Darcy married Mary Lady Capell. She was a widow and the daughter of a very important person, the 1st Earl of Portland.
In 1722, he bought a large house called Aske Hall near Richmond, North Yorkshire. He spent a lot of time and money making it even more beautiful.
Sadly, his first wife died in 1726. In 1728, he married Elizabeth, who had also been married twice before.
Conyers Darcy was also a kind and charitable person. He was one of the first governors of the Foundling Hospital in London. This hospital was a special charity that helped care for children who had been abandoned.
Conyers Darcy passed away on December 1, 1758. He did not have any children. Aske Hall was later sold in 1763.
