Edward Harley, 4th Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer
DCL FRS
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait of Lord Oxford by Sir Thomas Lawrence, c. 1790
|
|
| Member of Parliament for Herefordshire | |
| In office 1747–1755 Serving with Velters Cornewall
|
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Foley Velters Cornewall |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Morgan, Bt Velters Cornewall |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edward Harley
2 September 1726 Westminster, London |
| Died | 11 October 1790 (aged 64) Brampton Bryan Hall, Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouses |
Susannah Archer
(after 1751) |
| Relations | John Harley (brother) Thomas Harley (brother) William Morgan (grandfather) |
| Parents | Edward Harley, 3rd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer Martha Morgan |
| Education | Westminster School |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Edward Harley, 4th Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer (born September 2, 1726 – died October 11, 1790) was an important British politician. He was known as Lord Harley from 1741 until 1755. He was a member of the Conservative (or Tory) party.
Early Life and Family
Edward Harley was the oldest son of Edward Harley, 3rd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer. His mother was Martha Morgan. She was the daughter of a Welsh politician named William Morgan.
Edward had two younger brothers. One brother was John Harley. He became a Bishop of Hereford, a high-ranking church leader. His other brother was Thomas Harley. Thomas also became a politician and was once the Lord Mayor of London.
Edward went to Westminster School from 1735 to 1744. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford university. He earned a special degree called a Doctor of Civil Law in 1748.
Political Career and Public Service
.jpg)
Edward Harley became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Herefordshire in 1747. He was only 20 years old when he was elected. An MP is someone chosen to represent an area in the country's government.
Before the election, there were some worries because Edward was so young. But he was elected without anyone running against him. He then worked on the treasury board, which manages the country's money.
In 1755, Edward took over his father's titles and lands. This included the family home, Brampton Bryan Castle and Hall. He held several important roles until he died. He was the High Steward of Hereford starting in 1755. He was also a Lord of the Bedchamber from 1760. This was a position in the royal household. From 1766, he was the Lord Lieutenant of Radnorshire. This role meant he represented the King in that area.
Edward was also a trustee for the British Museum from 1755. He helped manage the Harleian collection there.
Personal Life
In 1751, Edward Harley married Susannah Archer. She was a wealthy heiress. Her family gave her a large sum of money, about £50,000, when she married. This was a lot of money back then! Susannah's father was William Archer.
Edward Harley passed away at Brampton Bryan Hall when he was 64 years old. He did not have any children. Because of this, his titles and lands went to his nephew, Edward Harley.
