George Agar-Ellis, 1st Baron Dover facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Dover
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait by Thomas Lawrence, 1823-24
|
|
| First Commissioner of Woods and Forests |
|
| In office 2 December 1830 – 7 February 1831 |
|
| Monarch | William IV |
| Prime Minister | The Earl Grey |
| Preceded by | Viscount Lowther |
| Succeeded by | Viscount Duncannon |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George James Welbore Agar-Ellis
14 January 1797 |
| Died | 10 July 1833 (aged 36) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouses | Lady Georgiana Howard (d. 1860) |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
George James Welbore Agar-Ellis, 1st Baron Dover (born January 14, 1797 – died July 10, 1833) was an important British politician. He was also known as a "man of letters," meaning he was very interested in literature and writing. He served briefly as the First Commissioner of Woods and Forests. This was a government job that managed royal lands and forests. He held this role under Lord Grey from 1830 to 1831.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George James Welbore Agar-Ellis was the only son of Henry Agar-Ellis, 2nd Viscount Clifden. His mother was Lady Caroline. She was the daughter of George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough.
He went to school at Westminster School. Later, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford University. In 1816, he became a Fellow of two important groups. These were the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Society. Being a Fellow meant he was recognized for his knowledge. The Society of Antiquaries studies history and old things. The Royal Society promotes science.
Political Career and Public Service
Agar-Ellis became a member of Parliament in 1818. He represented different areas over the years. These included Heytesbury, Seaford, Ludgershall, and Okehampton.
He believed in liberal ideas. For example, he supported a bill to help Roman Catholic peers. These were nobles who faced restrictions because of their religion. He was not very interested in everyday party politics. However, he strongly believed the government should support arts and literature.
Supporting the Arts
Agar-Ellis played a big part in supporting the arts. He asked for a large sum of money from the government. This money was used to buy a collection of paintings. These paintings belonged to John Julius Angerstein. This collection became the start of the famous National Gallery in London. This happened in 1824. He also commissioned a painting called The Trial of Queen Caroline by George Hayter.
In November 1830, a new government was formed. It was led by Lord Grey. Agar-Ellis was made the First Commissioner of Woods and Forests. He also joined the Privy Council. This is a group of advisors to the King or Queen. Sadly, he had to leave his job after only two months. This was because of his poor health.
In June 1831, he was given a special title. He became Baron Dover. This was a peerage, which meant he became a lord. He was also the president of the Royal Society of Literature in 1832. He served as a trustee for the British Museum and the National Gallery. He also helped manage public records.
Family Life
Lord Dover married Lady Georgiana Howard in 1822. She was his third cousin once removed. Her father was George Howard, 6th Earl of Carlisle. They had two sons and two daughters. His sons later became the 3rd and 5th Viscounts Clifden.
Lord Dover passed away on July 10, 1833. He was only 36 years old. He died three years before his own father. Lady Dover passed away in March 1860.
Published Works
Lord Dover wrote several historical books. Here are some of his works:
- The True History of the State Prisoner, Commonly Called the Iron Mask (1826)
- Inquiries respecting the Character of Clarendon (1827)
- Life of Frederick II. (1831)
He also helped publish other important writings. He edited the Ellis Correspondence (1829). He also edited Walpole's Letters to Sir Horace Mann (1833).
Images for kids
-
Portrait by Thomas Lawrence, 1823-24
-
Georgiana Agar Ellis (after a painting by Thomas Lawrence)
