Humphrey Mackworth facts for kids

Sir Humphrey Mackworth (born January 1657 – died 1727) was an important English businessman and politician. He was involved in some financial issues with his companies in the early 1700s. He also helped start a group called the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Early Life and Education

Humphrey Mackworth was born in Shropshire, England. His parents were Thomas and Ann Mackworth. His grandfather, also named Humphrey Mackworth, was an important soldier and politician during the Civil War.

Young Humphrey went to Magdalen College, Oxford, and finished his studies there in 1674. He then studied law and became a lawyer in 1682. In 1683, King Charles II made him a knight, which means he was given the title "Sir."

Working in Business

In 1686, Sir Humphrey married Mary Evans from Neath, Wales. He soon moved to Wales. Mary's father, Sir Herbert Evans, owned a lot of land and businesses. When Mary's sisters passed away, she inherited everything from her father.

The Evans family had controlled the rights to mine coal in Neath for many years. Coal from this area was used to melt metals. Sir Humphrey became interested in working with copper and lead. He might have started melting copper in 1695. When Mary died in 1696, Sir Humphrey inherited her family's businesses. By 1698, he also had control of mining interests in another area called Cardiganshire.

In 1690, valuable minerals were found on the Gogerddan estate. Sir Carbery Pryce's company had the lease for this land. After Sir Carbery Pryce died in 1694, Sir Humphrey Mackworth took over his mining interests.

Sir Humphrey improved the mining operations. In 1704, his company, called the Company of Mine Adventures, was officially recognized. He began melting copper in Neath. He used wooden tracks, called waggonways, to move coal from his mines to the docks and to his copper works. He even used sails on some waggons to help them move with the wind!

In 1709, the Company of Mine Adventures faced serious financial problems. It was found that the company's money matters were not handled correctly.

A group from the House of Commons looked into the situation in 1710. They made accusations against Sir Humphrey about how the company's money was managed. However, no official charges were brought against him. In 1713, Sir Humphrey started a new company called the Company of Mineral Manufacturers, but it stopped working in 1719.

As a Member of Parliament

Sir Humphrey Mackworth ran in several elections to become a Member of Parliament (MP). He was successful four times. He was part of the Tory political group.

In 1701, he became an MP for Cardiganshire. He lost this seat later that year but won it back in 1702. In 1705, he tried to become an MP for Oxford University but did not win. He then successfully became an MP for Totnes, holding that seat from 1705 to 1708. His last time in Parliament was from 1710 to 1713, when he again represented Cardiganshire.

Sir Humphrey's oldest son, Herbert Mackworth, also became a politician. He was an MP for Cardiff from 1739 to 1766. Sir Humphrey's grandson, also named Herbert Mackworth, held the same Cardiff seat after his father until 1790.

Helping Others: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge

In 1699, Sir Humphrey Mackworth was one of the people who helped Dr. Thomas Bray start the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. This group was an Anglican Christian organization that aimed to spread Christian teachings.

Through his companies, Sir Humphrey gave money to help create and support two schools in Wales. He also wrote several books about religion.