Edward Craggs-Eliot, 1st Baron Eliot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Eliot
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 July 1727 |
| Died | 17 February 1804 (aged 76) Port Eliot, Cornwall |
| Resting place | St Germans, Cornwall |
| Spouse |
Catherine Elliston
(m. 1756) |
Edward Craggs-Eliot, 1st Baron Eliot was an important English politician. He was born in London on July 8, 1727. He passed away on February 17, 1804, at his home in Port Eliot, Cornwall. He served in the House of Commons for many years. Later, he became a Baron, which is a type of noble title.
Contents
Edward Eliot's Early Life and Career
Edward's father was Richard Eliot. His mother, Harriot Craggs, was the daughter of a famous government official, James Craggs, and an actress named Hester Santlow. Edward had two sisters, Anne and Elizabeth. Anne was known for her beauty and was painted by a famous artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Education and Travel
Edward went to St Mary Hall, Oxford University in 1742. He didn't finish his degree there. Before starting his political career, he traveled around Europe. He visited places like the Dutch Republic (modern-day Netherlands), Germany, and Switzerland.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1748, Edward took over his father's responsibilities. From 1748 to 1768, he was a Member of Parliament (MP) for St Germans in Cornwall. This was where his family's estate, Port Eliot, was located. He later served as an MP for Liskeard (1768–1774). He also represented St Germans again (1774–1775) and then Cornwall (1775–1784).
Government Roles and Baron Title
In 1751, Edward was given the job of Receiver General for the Duchy of Cornwall. This meant he managed money for the Duchy. From 1760 to 1776, he was one of the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. This group helped manage trade and colonies.
In 1775, he became Receiver General of the Duchy again. However, in 1776, he disagreed with the government. He voted against using soldiers from Hesse (a German region) in a conflict. Because of this, he resigned from his government roles.
On January 13, 1784, he was given the title of Baron Eliot. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He took his seat there on February 2, 1784. In 1789, he changed his last name to Craggs, as part of an inheritance agreement. Sometimes he used "Craggs Eliot."
Edward Eliot was also friends with important people of his time. He knew Dr Samuel Johnson, a famous writer, and was a friend and supporter of the artist Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Edward Eliot's Family Life
On September 25, 1756, Edward married Catherine Elliston. She was the daughter of Captain Edward Elliston. Catherine was also the aunt of Edward Gibbon, a famous historian. They got married at St James' Church in Westminster.
Edward and Catherine had four children together:
- Edward James Eliot (born and died in 1757)
- Edward James Eliot (1758–1797)
- John Eliot, 1st Earl of St Germans (1761–1823)
- William Eliot, 2nd Earl of St Germans (1767–1845)
Edward Eliot passed away at his home, Port Eliot, on February 17, 1804. He was buried in St Germans, Cornwall.
Images for kids
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Edward Craggs-Eliot, 1st Baron Eliot
