George Dodington (died 1720) facts for kids
George Dodington (born around 1662, died 1720) was an important person in British history. He lived at Eastbury Park in Dorset, England. He was a successful businessman and held several important jobs. Dodington was also a Whig politician. He served in the English and British House of Commons from 1705 to 1720. He received a lot of support from a powerful friend, Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford.
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Early Years and Family
George Dodington was the oldest son of John Dodington. His mother was Hester Temple. Her father was Sir Peter Temple, 2nd Baronet. George's grandfather, Sir Francis Dodington, had a special job. This job involved collecting money from taxes. When George's father died in 1673, his grandfather's second wife tried to claim this money. But George's mother fought for it. Because of this, young George was given a job on the tax commission.
A Successful Businessman
Dodington became very successful in business. By 1688, he owned parts of four ships. In 1690, he and his business partners won big contracts. They supplied clothing to the army. By 1687, he also started working for the Treasurer of the Navy. He eventually worked for Admiral Edward Russell.
In 1695, Russell made Dodington his paymaster. This meant Dodington managed Russell's money and office. Russell became the Earl of Orford in 1697. He continued to be a very powerful supporter for Dodington. Dodington also held other important roles. He was a commissioner for Greenwich Hospital in 1695. In 1696, he helped collect money for a land bank. He became a trustee for government bills in 1697. His growing wealth allowed him to invest a lot in these roles. In 1697, he married Eleanor Bull. She was the daughter of Henry Bull, who was also a Member of Parliament.
Journey into Politics
In the late 1690s, some people tried to hurt Lord Orford's reputation. They made false accusations about Dodington's money management. This was an indirect way to attack his powerful friend. Dodington defended himself well. He also had strong support from the Whig party. However, he lost his jobs as paymaster and trustee. He spent five years sorting out Orford's financial records.
In 1705, Dodington was elected to Parliament. He became a Member of Parliament for Winchelsea. His father had told him to sell the Winchelsea property. But Dodington kept it. This helped him stay involved in elections there. In 1706, he became secretary for the English team. They were working on the Union with Scotland. This act joined England and Scotland. He also helped manage a loan for the Emperor.
From 1707 to 1708, Dodington was Chief Secretary for Ireland. He also represented Charlemont in the Irish House of Commons. This was from 1707 to 1713. In the 1708 election, he was elected for both Winchelsea and Bridgwater. He chose to represent Bridgwater. From 1708 to 1710, he was one of the Lords of the Admiralty. This group managed the British Navy. He was re-elected for Bridgwater in 1710.
In 1711, he became a commissioner for the South Sea Company. This was a large trading company. In 1713, he faced strong competition in Bridgwater. So, he chose to be elected for Winchelsea instead. In 1714, he became an Irish Privy Councillor. This was a high-ranking advisor role. In 1715, he became Clerk of the Pells for Ireland.
In the 1715 election, Dodington was re-elected for Bridgwater without opposition. From 1715, he also held the title of Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. This was a representative of the King in the county. He became very wealthy. He hired a famous architect, Sir John Vanbrugh. Sir John designed a huge house for Dodington. It was built on his estate in Eastbury.
Later Life and Legacy
George Dodington passed away on March 28, 1720. He left his large estate to his nephew, George Bubb. His nephew then took the last name Dodington. He continued the building of the grand Eastbury Park mansion.
