George Frederick Stratton facts for kids

George Frederick Stratton (1779–c.1834) was an English landowner and a member of the Royal Society, a famous group that promotes science. He was known for owning a large estate and for his interest in politics and religion.

Early Life and Family Estate

George Frederick Stratton was born in 1779. He was the older son of George Stratton, a wealthy Englishman who had made his fortune in India. His father bought a large estate called Tew Park in Oxfordshire, England.

Young George went to St John's College, Cambridge in 1797. He earned his first degree in 1801 and a master's degree in 1804. When his father passed away in 1800, George inherited the Tew Park estate. He decided to tear down much of the old manor house. He then moved into a smaller house nearby that was already on the property.

Stratton had plans to build a grand new mansion. He even worked with famous landscape designers Humphry Repton and his son, John Adey Repton. However, these plans were never completed.

Early Public Service and Politics

In 1803, Stratton became a captain in a local cavalry group, which was like a volunteer army. He also tried to become a member of Parliament, which is like being a representative in the government.

He first tried for a seat in the area of Eye. Later in 1803, he ran in Coventry. He supported William Pitt the Younger, a well-known politician at the time. Stratton spent a lot of money on his campaign but did not win the election. He later asked Pitt to make him a baronet, which is a special title.

In 1806, he received an honorary degree from the University of Oxford. He also served as the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire from 1806 to 1807. This was an important local role, like a chief officer for the county.

Farming and Financial Challenges

In February 1807, George Frederick Stratton was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This showed his interest in science and learning. Around 1808, he started an interesting farming project on his Great Tew estate. He worked with John Claudius Loudon, an expert in farming.

Loudon had written a book about how to make more money from land. Stratton leased a part of his farm, Tew Lodge Farm, to Loudon. Loudon even set up a local school there to teach people about farming.

However, in 1811, Stratton took back the lease. He then faced financial problems. Because of these money troubles, he decided to sell his estate in 1815. The estate was bought by Matthew Robinson Boulton.

In 1819, Stratton was involved in a legal case. Someone named Charles Powell Hamilton sued him to get back money that had been invested in a special medicine for yellow fever. Stratton settled the case, meaning they reached an agreement outside of court.

Religious Beliefs

Around 1812, Stratton became very interested in religious matters. After reading the ideas of Herbert Marsh, he helped set up a local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Oxfordshire. This society worked to spread Bibles.

Stratton had strong religious views. He followed the Methodist faith and was against the Catholic Church at that time.

Later Political Efforts

In 1826, Stratton ran for Parliament again, this time for the Oxfordshire area. This was the first time there had been a contested election in that area since 1754, meaning more than one person was running.

He came in third place in the election. The winners were William Henry Ashhurst and John Fane.

Financial Difficulties and Later Life

By 1832, George Frederick Stratton was still involved with the British and Foreign Bible Society. However, he was facing serious money problems. Because of these financial troubles, he decided to move away from England.

He moved to the United States of America. He passed away there around 1834, shortly before his mother died.

Family and the Delany Legacy

In 1805, Stratton married Anne D'Ewes (1776–1861). She was the only daughter of Bernard D'Ewes. Anne was also the great-niece of a famous artist named Mary Delany. Mary Delany was known for her unique artwork called decoupage, which involved cutting out paper shapes and gluing them to create detailed pictures.

George and Anne Stratton did not have any children.

When Stratton left for America to escape his debts, he left his wife and mother behind. His home, Park Hall, and everything inside it were put up for sale. Mary Delany's special decoupage artwork had been left to Anne Stratton. This artwork was bought at the auction by Benjamin Hall, 1st Baron Llanover. He also bought Anne Stratton's paintings.

Benjamin Hall's wife, Augusta Hall, Baroness Llanover, was also a great-niece of Mary Delany. She later edited and published Mary Delany's writings and letters. Augusta Hall left Mary Delany's famous plant artwork, called the Flora Delanica, to the British Museum.