Francis Robartes facts for kids

Francis Robartes

Francis Robartes (born around 1649 – died 3 February 1718) was an English politician. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a famous group of scientists. Francis Robartes served in the House of Commons, which is part of the English Parliament. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years, from 1673 to 1718.

Early Life and Interests

Francis Robartes was born in 1649. He was the fourth son of John Robartes, 1st Earl of Radnor. His mother was Letitia Isabella Smythe. He was baptised in Lanhydrock, a place in Cornwall, England.

When he was 13, Francis went to Christ's College, Cambridge University. He was very interested in music. He was known for composing music and writing about how sound works. In 1673, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This meant he was part of an important group that studied science and improved knowledge.

Political Career

Francis Robartes spent many years working in politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is a person chosen by voters to represent them in the House of Commons. The House of Commons is a key part of the government in England.

• In 1673, he first became an MP for Bossiney. He served in the Cavalier Parliament until 1679.
• He then represented Cornwall from 1679 to 1681.
• He was elected for Cornwall again in 1685 and served until 1687.
• From 1689 to 1690, he was the MP for Lostwithiel.
• He returned to represent Cornwall from 1690.
• In 1695, he became the MP for Tregony until 1702.
• He then represented Bodmin from 1702 to 1708.
• He served Lostwithiel again from 1709 to 1710.
• Finally, he was the MP for Bodmin once more from 1710 until 1718.

During some of these years, from 1704 to 1710, he also held a special job called "Teller of the Exchequer." This role involved managing money for the government.

Family and Later Life

Francis Robartes continued his involvement with the Royal Society. He became a vice-president of this important scientific group. He had two brothers, Robert Robartes and Hender Robartes.

Francis Robartes was married twice. His first wife was Penelope Pole. They did not have any children. His second wife was Lady Anne Fitzgerald. She was already a widow when they married. Together, Francis and Anne had a son named John. This son later inherited the title of Earl of Radnor.

Francis Robartes passed away in Chelsea, London, when he was 68 years old.