Francis Blake Delaval (politician) facts for kids
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Sir Francis Blake Delaval (KB) was an interesting figure from the 1700s. Born on March 16, 1727, he was a British actor, a soldier, and a Member of Parliament. He had a very good education, attending famous schools like Westminster School and Eton College. He then went on to Christ Church at Oxford University.
Contents
Early Life and Family Estate
Francis Blake Delaval was the oldest son of Captain Francis Blake Delaval from Seaton Delaval Hall. When his father passed away in 1752, Francis took over the family estate.
He also added a unique building to his land. It was a folly (a building built just for decoration) known as Starlight Castle. This castle overlooked a beautiful valley called Holywell Dene, which leads to Seaton Sluice. People say he built it in just one day to win a bet! Today, only a single stone arch of the castle remains.
Career and Relationships
Francis Delaval was part of an acting group led by Samuel Foote. He enjoyed acting and performing.
Around 1760, he became involved with a singer and actor named Ann Catley. She was learning music from a teacher named William Bates. Delaval paid Bates money, and Ann's training was then linked to Delaval. Ann's father was upset because he felt his daughter had been "sold." He tried to take legal action against Delaval and Bates, but it didn't help. Eventually, Ann Catley continued her successful career as a singer.
Francis Delaval also enjoyed gambling. To support his lifestyle, he married Isabella. She was the daughter of Thomas Tufton, 6th Earl of Thanet and had been married before to Lord Nassau Powlett. Isabella was much older and very wealthy.
Military and Political Roles
Delaval also had a short career in the military. He took part in a military operation called the Raid on St Malo. This was an attack on a beach in Brittany, France. He was given a knighthood for his bravery during this event.
He was also a politician, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Hindon in Wiltshire from 1751 to 1754. After that, he represented Andover in Hampshire from 1754 to 1768.
His home in London was at 11 Downing Street. Today, this building is famous as the official home of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a very important government official in the UK.
Later Life
Sir Francis Blake Delaval suffered a stroke. He passed away on August 7, 1771. People who knew him remembered him as someone full of fun and entertainment. They said he had many good qualities that made up for any small faults.
He did not have any children who inherited his title. His younger brother, John Hussey Delaval, later known as Baron Delaval, took over after him.
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