Edward Southwell Sr. facts for kids
Edward Southwell Sr. (born September 4, 1671 – died December 4, 1730) was an important lawyer and politician from both England and Ireland. He held many important jobs in the government during his lifetime.
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Who Was Edward Southwell Sr.?
Edward Southwell Sr. was the only son of Sir Robert Southwell. He grew up near Bristol, England. He went to Kensington School and later studied at Lincoln's Inn and Merton College, Oxford. These were important places for learning law and other subjects.
His Important Government Jobs
Edward Southwell held many important government jobs. He was a top legal officer in Ireland from 1692 to 1700. He also worked as a clerk for the King's special council, called the Privy Council, from 1693 until he died.
He became a judge for sea-related laws and a naval officer in Munster starting in 1699. He also helped manage the King's official seal several times. In 1692, he became a member of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists.
Serving in Parliament
Edward Southwell was a member of Parliament in both Ireland and Great Britain.
- He represented Kinsale in the Irish House of Commons from 1692 to 1699.
- He then represented Dublin University from 1703 to 1713.
- He went back to representing Kinsale from 1713 until he died.
In 1702, Edward took over from his father as the Principal Secretary of State for Ireland. This was a very important role. He also joined the Privy Council of Ireland that same year. Both of these jobs were given to him for life.
He also served in the House of Commons of England and later the House of Commons of Great Britain. He was a Member of Parliament for different areas like Rye, Tregony, and Preston between 1702 and 1715.
Kings Weston House
In 1712, Edward Southwell hired a famous architect named Sir John Vanbrugh. He asked Vanbrugh to design and build a grand house called Kings Weston House in Bristol. This house is still a well-known building today.
Edward Southwell Sr. passed away in 1730 and was buried at Kingsweston. He had a son named Edward Southwell who took over his important government job and the Kings Weston estate.
