Francis Gwyn facts for kids
Francis Gwyn (1648 – 14 June 1734) was an important Welsh politician. He was a member of the Tory Party and served in both the English and British Parliaments for many years between 1673 and 1727. He was known for his long career in government.
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Early Life and Education
Francis Gwyn was born around 1648 in Combe Florey, Somerset. His father was Edward Gwyn from Llansannor, Glamorganshire. His mother was Eleanor, the youngest daughter of Sir Francis Popham.
When he was 17, Francis went to Christ Church, Oxford, in 1666. He later studied law at Middle Temple in 1667. Even though he trained to be a lawyer, he had enough money to choose a different path. He decided to go into politics instead.
A Long Career in Parliament
Francis Gwyn was a Member of Parliament (MP) for a long time. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the country's main law-making body. He first became an MP for Chippenham in 1673. Even though his first election was cancelled, he was quickly re-elected.
Over the years, he represented several different areas. These included Cardiff, Christchurch, Callington, and Totnes. He was often elected without anyone running against him.
He was a member of the Tory political party. After George I became king in 1715, Francis Gwyn lost his seat in Parliament. However, he was re-elected for Christchurch in 1717. In 1722, he was elected for both Christchurch and Wells, choosing to represent Wells. He finally retired from Parliament in 1727.
Important Government Roles
Francis Gwyn held many important jobs in the government. From 1679 to 1685, he was the clerk of the council. This was a key role in the government's administration.
He also served as an under-secretary of state twice. The first time was from 1681 to 1683. The second time was from 1688 to 1689. He was also a Groom of the Bedchamber for King Charles II.
When Lord Rochester was in charge of the treasury, Francis Gwyn worked as a joint secretary. Later, when Lord Rochester became the leader in Ireland in 1701, Gwyn was his chief secretary. He also became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland.
He was a commissioner for public accounts, which meant he helped check government spending. From 1711 to 1713, he was a commissioner on the board of trade. His last major role was as secretary at war from 1713 until 1714. This job involved managing military affairs. He was also a recorder for Totnes and a steward for Brecknock.
Family Life and Ford Abbey
In 1690, Francis Gwyn married his cousin, Margaret Prideaux. She was the daughter of Edmund Prideaux. Together, they had four sons and three daughters. His sons Edward and William also became Members of Parliament.
Through his marriage, Francis Gwyn eventually became the owner of Forde Abbey in Dorset. This large estate had been owned by his wife's family. One room at Ford Abbey was even called 'Queen Anne's' room. It was prepared for Queen Anne when Francis Gwyn was secretary at war.
Francis Gwyn passed away at Ford Abbey on 14 June 1734, at the age of 86. He was buried in the chapel at Ford Abbey. The property stayed in the family until 1846.
Images for kids
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Llansannor Court
