George Allanson-Winn, 1st Baron Headley facts for kids

George Allanson-Winn, 1st Baron Headley (1725 – 9 April 1798) was an important British lawyer, judge, and politician. He was known as Sir George Allanson-Winn, Bt for many years before he became a Baron. He played a role in British law and government during the 1700s.

Early Life and Education

George Winn was born in 1725. He was the only son of Pelham Winn and Elizabeth Wighton. His family lived in a place called South Ferriby in Lincolnshire.

When he was 19, in 1744, George started studying law at Lincoln's Inn. This was a famous place in London where people learned to become lawyers. After many years of hard work, he officially became a lawyer in 1755. This is called being "called to the Bar."

Career as a Judge

George Winn became a judge in 1761. He was appointed a "Baron of the Exchequer." This was a special type of judge who worked in a court that dealt with money matters for the government. He held this important job for 15 years, until 1776.

During this time, in 1763, he inherited land and property from his cousin, Mark Winn. This property was in Little Warley, Essex.

Titles and Name Change

In 1776, George Winn received a special honor from the King. He was made a Baronet. This is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in the family, but it is not a noble title like a Lord. He became known as Sir George Winn, Baronet, of Little Warley.

A year later, in 1777, he inherited more property. This time it was from his cousin, Charles Allanson, who lived in Bramham Biggin. Because of this inheritance, George added "Allanson" to his last name. From then on, he was known as George Allanson-Winn.

Time in Parliament

In 1789, George Allanson-Winn was elected to Parliament. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the town of Ripon. He was able to get elected because of his family's connections in the area. His cousin, Charles Allanson, had also been an MP for Ripon before him.

As an MP, George Allanson-Winn quietly supported the government led by William Pitt the Younger. He stayed in Parliament until 1798.

He had wanted to become a "peer" (a Lord) for some time. He asked the Prime Minister, William Pitt, for this honor in 1793. Four years later, in 1797, his wish came true. He was made an Irish peer, becoming Lord Headley, Baron Allanson and Winn, of Aghadoe in County Kerry, Ireland.

Family Life

Lord Headley was married twice.

• His first marriage was in 1765 to his cousin, Anne Winn. They had one daughter together. Sadly, Anne passed away in October 1774.
• In 1783, he married Jane Blennerhassett. She was from Ballyseedy in County Kerry, Ireland. George and Jane had two sons and two daughters.

Lord Headley passed away in April 1798. His eldest son, Charles, inherited his titles.