James Cecil, 1st Marquess of Salisbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
The Marquess of Salisbury
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| Lord Chamberlain | |
| In office 1783–1804 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Hertford |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Dartmouth |
| Postmaster General | |
| In office 1816–1823 Serving with The Earl of Chichester
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| Monarch | |
| Prime Minister | The Earl of Liverpool |
| Preceded by | |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Chichester |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 September 1748 |
| Died | 13 June 1823 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | |
James Cecil, 1st Marquess of Salisbury, was an important British nobleman and politician. He was born on September 4, 1748, and passed away on June 13, 1823. He held several key roles in the British government during his lifetime. Before becoming a Marquess, he was known as Viscount Cranborne and later as the Earl of Salisbury.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
James Cecil was the son of James Cecil, 6th Earl of Salisbury. His mother was Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Edward Keat.
Political Career and Public Service
James Cecil began his political journey in 1774. He was elected to Parliament for the area of Great Bedwyn. He held this position until 1780. Briefly in 1780, he also represented Launceston and Plympton Erle.
Joining the House of Lords
In 1780, James Cecil inherited the title of Earl of Salisbury from his father. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament.
Important Government Roles
He served in several important government positions:
- Treasurer of the Household: From 1780 to 1782, he worked under Lord North. This role involved managing the royal household's finances.
- Lord Chamberlain of the Household: He held this significant position from 1783 to 1804. He served under two Prime Ministers, William Pitt the Younger and Henry Addington. The Lord Chamberlain managed the royal household and court ceremonies.
- Privy Councillor: In 1780, he became a member of the Privy Council. This group advises the monarch.
- Marquess of Salisbury: In 1789, he was given the higher title of Marquess of Salisbury. This was a special honor.
- Joint Postmaster General: From 1816 to 1823, he helped manage the postal service. He worked under Lord Liverpool.
- Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire: He also held an honorary role as the King's representative in Hertfordshire from 1771 to 1823.
- Knight of the Garter: In 1793, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is one of the highest honors in Britain.
Military Service and Community Support
James Cecil also had a military role. He served as a Colonel in the Hertfordshire Militia. This was a local defense force.
Supporting Soldiers After War
During the War of American Independence, he helped protect his home country. After the war, he showed great care for his soldiers. He hired about 200 of them to work on his large estate at Hatfield. This helped them find jobs after leaving the military. He was still in command of the militia when it was called to serve again in 1793.
Family Life
Lord Salisbury married Lady Emily Mary Hill on December 2, 1773. Lady Emily was known for her love of sports and for hosting important social events.
Children of James and Emily Cecil
The couple had four children:
- Lady Georgiana Charlotte Augusta Cecil (1786-1860), who married Henry Wellesley, 1st Baron Cowley.
- Lady Emily Anne Bennet Elizabeth Cecil (1789-1858), who married George Nugent, 1st Marquess of Westmeath and had children.
- Caroline Cecil, who sadly passed away when she was young.
- James Brownlow William Gascoyne-Cecil, 2nd Marquess of Salisbury (1791–1868).
Lord Salisbury passed away in June 1823, at 74 years old. His only son, James, inherited his title. Lady Emily, the Marchioness of Salisbury, died in a fire at Hatfield House in November 1835.
