Francis North, 1st Earl of Guilford facts for kids

Portrait of Francis North by John Vanderbank

Francis North, 1st Earl of Guilford (born April 13, 1704 – died August 4, 1790), was an important British politician. He held the title of Lord Guilford for many years. He was known for living at Wroxton Abbey in Oxfordshire.

Francis North was a member of the Whig Party, a major political group at the time. He served in the British House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1727 to 1729. Later, he became a "peer," which meant he got a special title and joined the House of Lords. He also worked as the Treasurer for Queen Charlotte. His son, Frederick North, Lord North, later became a famous Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Early Life and Education

Wroxton Abbey, the family home

Francis North was the son of Francis North, who was the 2nd Baron Guilford. His mother was Alice Brownlow.

He received a good education, which was common for people from wealthy families. He went to Eton College, a famous school. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Oxford when he was 16 years old. Around 1722, he went on a "Grand Tour." This was a long trip around Europe that young noblemen often took to learn about other cultures and history.

Political Journey

Francis North began his political career in 1727. He was elected to the British House of Commons to represent the area of Banbury. This was a family tradition, as his family had influence there.

In 1729, his father passed away. Francis then inherited his father's title, becoming the 3rd Baron Guilford. This meant he left the House of Commons and joined the House of Lords. The House of Lords is another part of the British Parliament, usually for people with inherited titles.

He also held several important positions in the royal court. In 1730, he became a "Gentleman of the Bedchamber" to Frederick, Prince of Wales. This was a personal attendant role to the Prince. In 1734, he inherited another title, becoming the 7th Baron North.

Later, in 1750, he was appointed as a governor to Prince George. This Prince later became George III, a future King of Great Britain. Francis North held this role until 1751. In 1752, he received an even higher title: Earl of Guilford. This was a very important noble title.

In 1766, he became the "High Steward of Banbury" for life. This was an important local position. In 1773, he was made the Treasurer to Queen Charlotte, the King's wife. He held this important financial role for the Queen until his death.

Family Life

Francis North was married three times. His first wife was Lady Lucy Montagu. They married in 1728, but she passed away in 1734.

In 1736, he married his second wife, Elizabeth Kaye. She died in 1745.

His third marriage was to Catherine Furnase in 1751. She lived until 1776.

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  Portrait of Lucy Montagu, his first wife

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  Portrait of Elizabeth Kaye, his second wife

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  Portrait of Katherine Furnese, his third wife

Later Life and Legacy

Lord Guilford lived a long life. He passed away in August 1790, when he was 86 years old.

His son from his first marriage, Frederick North, Lord North, inherited his titles. Frederick North was already very famous because he had served as the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770 to 1782.

Francis North is also remembered in the United States. Two places are named after him: Guilford County, North Carolina and Guilford, Windham County, Vermont.

Sources

• Kidd, Charles, Williamson, David (editors). Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage (1990 edition). New York: St Martin's Press, 1990.