Gilbert Heathcote, 1st Baron Aveland facts for kids
Gilbert John Heathcote, 1st Baron Aveland (born January 16, 1795 – died September 6, 1867) was an important British politician. He was also known as Sir Gilbert John Heathcote, 5th Baronet for a few years. He came from Stocken Hall in Rutland, England. He was a member of the Whig Party, which was a major political group in Britain at the time.
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Early Life and Education
Gilbert John Heathcote was born at Normanton Hall. He was the oldest son of Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 4th Baronet and his first wife, Katherine Sophia Manners. His mother was the daughter of John Manners, who was also a Member of Parliament.
Gilbert went to school at Westminster School, which is a very old and famous school. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, one of the top universities in England.
In 1851, when his father passed away, Gilbert became the 5th Baronet. This meant he inherited his father's title and the large family estates in Rutland.
His Time in Politics
Gilbert Heathcote started his political career in 1820. He was elected to Parliament to represent the town of Boston. He held this seat until 1830, and then again from 1831 to 1832.
Later, he represented Lincolnshire South in Parliament from 1832 to 1841. After that, he represented Rutland from 1841 until 1856.
Some people described him as "lukewarm in politics." This means he wasn't always super passionate about political issues. Even so, he was an important figure.
In 1856, Gilbert Heathcote was given a special honor. He was made a Baron, which is a high rank in the British nobility. His new title was Baron Aveland.
Important Roles and Views
Before becoming a Baron, Gilbert Heathcote was a Deputy Lieutenant for both Lancashire and Rutland. A Deputy Lieutenant helps the main representative of the King or Queen in a county.
From 1862 to 1867, he served as the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire. This was a very important job. As Lord Lieutenant, he was in charge of appointing county magistrates (like local judges). He was careful about who he chose, preferring people he felt had the right social standing, even if they were otherwise respectable.
In 1866, he spoke out against the Reform Act. This law was passed in 1867 and aimed to give more people the right to vote. Gilbert Heathcote didn't think it was a good idea to expand voting rights so much.
He also had a military role. In 1857, he was made an honorary colonel of the South Lincoln Militia, which was a local military force.
His Family Life
In 1827, Gilbert Heathcote married Clementina Drummond-Willoughby, 24th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. She was the oldest daughter of Peter Drummond-Burrell, 22nd Baron Willoughby de Eresby.
Gilbert Heathcote passed away in September 1867, when he was 72 years old. His son, Gilbert Henry Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, took over his title as Baron Aveland. Later, his son also inherited his mother's title and was given another important title, Earl of Ancaster, in 1892.
Images for kids
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A painting of the House of Commons in 1833, where Gilbert Heathcote served as a Member of Parliament.
