David Polhill facts for kids
David Polhill (born 1674 – died 15 January 1754) was an important English landowner and politician. He lived in Chipstead, Kent. He was a member of the Whig Party, which was one of the main political groups at the time.
Polhill served in the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, at different times between 1710 and 1754. He was also known for signing the Kentish Petition in 1701.
Early Life and Travels
David Polhill was the second son of Thomas Polhill from Otford, Kent. His mother, Elizabeth Ireton, was the daughter of Henry Ireton and the granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell, a very famous figure in English history. David's older brother passed away, which meant David inherited his father's lands.
In 1692, David Polhill got permission to travel to Holland. This was the start of a long journey called a Grand Tour. He visited many places in Europe, including Hanover, Brunswick, Zell, Austria, Geneva, and Italy. He even studied at Padua University in 1694. He returned to England in the autumn of 1696.
Political Career
After his travels, David Polhill started his public life. In 1697, he joined the Kentish lieutenancy, which was a group of important local officials. He also became a "Freeman" of Dover, which meant he had special rights in the town. In 1699, he became a Justice of the Peace (J.P.), helping to keep law and order.
In 1701, Polhill became well-known for his part in the Kentish Petition of 1701. This was a request to the House of Commons (Parliament) to work together and quickly provide money for the army. Because he presented this petition, he faced some trouble and was briefly held by the Commons. After this, he lost his local positions, but he got them back a few years later.
Polhill was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kent in 1710. As an MP, he voted on important issues. He later served as High Sheriff of Kent from 1714 to 1715, which was a senior legal and administrative role in the county.
He continued to hold important positions. In 1716, he became the warden of Rochester Bridge, and in 1718, he was made the keeper of Walmer Castle. He was elected as an MP again for Bramber in 1723. Later, he represented Rochester in Parliament from 1727. He also held the important job of keeper of the records in the Tower of London from 1731 until he passed away. This meant he was in charge of important historical documents kept at the Tower of London.
Later Life and Family
David Polhill lived at Chipstead and also had a house in Otford. He passed away on 15 January 1754, at the age of 79. There is a special memorial for him in Otford Church, created by Sir Henry Cheere, 1st Baronet.
Polhill was married three times. His first wife was Elizabeth Trevor, whom he married in 1702. She died in 1708. His second wife was Gertrude Holles, whom he married in 1713. She was the sister of the 1st Duke of Newcastle, a very powerful person. Sadly, Gertrude died in 1714. His third wife was Elizabeth Borret, whom he married in 1719. He had four sons and one daughter with Elizabeth, and two of his children, Charles and Elizabeth, survived him. Charles inherited his father's estates.
