George Finch-Hatton (MP for Rochester) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Finch-Hatton
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| Born | 30 June 1747 |
| Died | 17 February 1823 (aged 75) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Westminster School Christ's College, Cambridge (MA, 1768) |
| Occupation | Politician |
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George Finch-Hatton (born June 30, 1747 – died February 17, 1823) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like one of the main parts of the British Parliament. He served there from 1772 to 1784. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group for top scientists and thinkers.
Early Life and Family Homes
George Finch-Hatton was born in 1747. His father was Edward Finch-Hatton. George went to Westminster School and then to Christ's College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned a Master of Arts degree in 1768. In 1764, he added "Hatton" to his last name, which was his grandmother's family name.
In 1769, George inherited Eastwell Park and other properties in Kent from his uncle. Two years later, in 1771, he inherited Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire from his father.
He also inherited a large house in London called 44 Berkeley Square. This house had a grand staircase. In 1774, when George was 27, he sold this house. The money from the sale helped him plan big changes for Eastwell Park.
George wanted to rebuild Eastwell Park. He hired a famous architect named Robert Adam. However, George didn't like any of Adam's designs. Later, between 1793 and 1800, George finally rebuilt the house. He used designs by Joseph Bonomi the Elder, who had worked with Robert Adam. The new house was built in a popular style called Neo-classical.
Political Career and Achievements
George Finch-Hatton became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Rochester in 1772. This means he was elected to represent the people of Rochester in the House of Commons. He was re-elected in 1774 and 1780. However, he lost his seat in the election of 1784.
In 1776, George Finch-Hatton was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor given to people who have made great contributions to science.
Later in his life, in 1809, he became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the local army group called the Ashford Regiment of Local Militia.
Personal Life and Connections
George Finch-Hatton married Lady Elizabeth Murray in 1785. She was the daughter of David Murray, 2nd Earl of Mansfield. George and Lady Elizabeth lived at Eastwell Park in Kent. They also owned estates at Kirby, Northamptonshire.
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The famous author Jane Austen visited George and Lady Elizabeth many times at Eastwell Park. This is because Jane Austen's older brother lived nearby at Godmersham Park. In her letters, Jane Austen wrote about her visits. She seemed to have a liking for George's younger brother, Edward Finch-Hatton. She wrote about how polite the Finch family was to her.
George Finch-Hatton passed away in February 1823 when he was 75 years old. His wife, Lady Elizabeth, died in June 1825. Their son, also named George, later inherited the titles of Earl of Winchilsea and Nottingham in 1826.
