George Cornewall facts for kids
Sir George Cornewall, 2nd Baronet (born November 8, 1748 – died August 26, 1819) was an important British politician. He lived at Moccas Court in Herefordshire, England. Sir George served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons from 1774 to 1807. The House of Commons is where laws are made in Britain.
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Early Life and Family Background
George Cornewall was born George Amyand. He was the oldest son of Sir George Amyand, 1st Baronet, who was a successful banker. His mother was Anna Maria Korteen. When his father passed away in 1766, George became the 2nd Baronet. He also took over his father's share in a banking business called Amyand, Staples and Mercer.
Education and Marriage
George went to Eton College, a famous school, and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned a Master of Arts degree in 1769.
In 1771, George married Catherine Cornewall. She was the only daughter and heir of Velters Cornewall, who was also a Member of Parliament. As part of his marriage and an inheritance from his father-in-law, George changed his last name to Cornewall. This change was officially approved by the King. He also inherited Moccas Court, a large estate in Herefordshire. In 1773, he received a special law degree from the University of Oxford.
His Political Journey
Sir George Cornewall began his career in Parliament in 1774. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Herefordshire. He held this position for many years, until 1796.
Important Roles in Parliament
In 1784, Sir George was part of a group called the St. Alban's Tavern group. This group tried to bring together two important political leaders, Charles Fox and William Pitt. He was re-elected for Herefordshire in 1802 and again in 1806. He decided not to run for election in 1807.
Sir George also served in the local army, known as the Herefordshire Militia. He became its colonel, which is a high-ranking officer, in 1805.
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Sir George owned a large farm, called a plantation, in Grenada in the West Indies. Between 1775 and 1781, he rebuilt Moccas Court, making it a grander home. He also owned a place called Mouse Castle but later traded it. In 1800, he sold another property, Frilsham, which his father had bought.
From 1788 until his death, Sir George was a Family Trustee of the British Museum. This meant he helped manage and oversee the famous museum.
Later Years and Family
Sir George Cornewall passed away in 1819 and was buried at Moccas. He and his wife Catherine had two sons and six daughters:
- Catherine-Frances Cornewall (1773-1826), who married Samuel Peploe.
- Sir George Cornewall, 3rd Baronet (1774–1835), who became the next Baronet.
- Hannah Cornewall (died young).
- Anna-Maria Cornewall (1779-1872).
- Frances-Elizabeth Cornewall (1783-1864), who married Henry Devereux, 14th Viscount Hereford.
- Charles Cornewall (1785-1822).
- Harriet Cornewall (1787-1838), who married Thomas Frankland Lewis.
- Caroline Cornewall (1789-1875), who married Sir William Duff-Gordon.
The Cornewall family claimed to be related to a younger branch of the de Cornewall family. This family was descended from Sir Richard of Cornwall, who was the son of Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall (1209-1272). Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, was the second son of King John of England.
