Everard Fawkener facts for kids
Sir Everard Fawkener (born 1694, died 1758) was an English businessman and a diplomat. He is mostly known for being a good friend of the famous writer Voltaire. His daughter, Harriet Bouverie, later became a well-known host for important political gatherings.
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Early Life and Business
Everard Fawkener was born into a family that owned a silk business. His father, William, was an important member of the Levant Company. This company was a group of English merchants who traded with countries in the Middle East, like the Ottoman Empire.
When Everard was about 22 years old, he was sent to Aleppo, a city in what is now Syria. He lived and worked there from 1716 to 1725. After returning home, he joined his family's business, Snelling and Fawkener. They were very successful merchants trading with the Levant region until 1735.
Friendship with Voltaire
On his way back from Aleppo in 1725, Everard Fawkener met the famous French writer and philosopher Voltaire in Paris. Voltaire even stayed at Fawkener's house in Wandsworth, England, in 1726.
The two men became very good friends and wrote many warm letters to each other over the years. Voltaire even dedicated his play, Zaïre, to Fawkener in 1733. Their friendship was very important to both of them.
Becoming a Diplomat
In 1735, Everard Fawkener was made a knight. This was a special honor given by the King. Soon after, on August 19, 1735, he was chosen to be the ambassador for Great Britain in the Ottoman Empire. An ambassador is a diplomat who represents their country in another nation.
He arrived in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) on December 19. He stayed there for several years but did not enjoy it much. He was finally allowed to return home in 1742, though his official duties ended in 1746.
Working for the Duke
After returning to England, Sir Everard Fawkener became a secretary to Prince William, Duke of Cumberland. He held this important job for the rest of his life. He was even present at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745.
He also went with the Duke during his campaign in the Scottish Highlands. This was to help stop the Jacobite rising of 1745, a rebellion against the British government. In 1745, he also became the United Kingdom Postmaster General. This meant he was in charge of the postal service for the entire country. During this time, he also helped fund the creation of the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, a famous pottery factory.
Family Life
Sir Everard Fawkener did not marry until 1747, when he was 53 years old. His wife was named Harriet. She was the daughter of Lieutenant General Charles Churchill. A beautiful painting of her by the artist Jean-Étienne Liotard can be seen at Compton Verney House.
Sir Everard and Harriet had a daughter, also named Harriet. She later married Edward Bouverie and became famous as a hostess for important social events. They also had two sons, William Augustus Fawkener and Everard Fawkener. The family lived at Westhorpe House near Little Marlow.
