Henry Temple, 2nd Viscount Palmerston facts for kids
Henry Temple, 2nd Viscount Palmerston (born December 4, 1739 – died April 17, 1802), was an important British politician. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group for top scientists. He is best known as the father of a future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
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Early Life and Education
Henry Temple was born into a powerful family. His father was also named Henry Temple. His mother, Jane, was the daughter of Sir John Barnard, who was once the Lord Mayor of London.
His family was part of the "Ascendancy". This was a group of wealthy Anglo-Irish noble families. They owned a very large country estate in County Sligo in western Ireland.
Henry Temple became a Viscount in 1757. This meant he inherited a noble title. He studied at Clare College, Cambridge from 1757 to 1759.
A Career in Politics
Henry Temple served in the British House of Commons. This is one of the main parts of the British Parliament. He represented several different areas during his time as a Member of Parliament (MP).
He was an MP for:
- East Looe (1762–1768)
- Southampton (1768–1774)
- Hastings (1774–1784)
- Boroughbridge (1784–1790)
- Newport, Isle of Wight (1790–1796)
- Winchester (1796–1802)
He also held important government jobs. In 1765, he joined the Board of Trade. This group advised the government on business and trade. From 1766 to 1777, he was a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty. This meant he helped manage the Royal Navy. Later, from 1777 to 1782, he was a Lord of the Treasury. This role involved managing the country's money.
Travels and Art Collecting
In 1763, Henry Temple traveled to Italy. On his way, he visited the famous writer Voltaire at his home in Ferney. He arrived in Rome in 1764. From Rome, he also visited Paestum, an ancient city south of Naples.
During his trip, he bought many valuable items. He collected old artifacts and paintings from artists like Gavin Hamilton and Angelica Kauffman. He also bought ancient items from Giovanni Battista Piranesi. He collected cameos (small carved artworks) from Giovanni Pichler and sculptures from Joseph Nollekens.
Later Life and Legacy
Henry Temple died on April 17, 1802. He passed away at his home in Hanover Square, Westminster, London. He was buried at Romsey Abbey, where a special monument was made for him by the artist John Flaxman.
He left behind his wife and children. His son, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, became very famous. He served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the middle of the 19th century.
A portrait of Henry Temple, painted by Angelica Kauffman, can be seen at Broadlands in Hampshire.
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