James Craggs the Younger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Craggs
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Portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller, c. 1708
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| Secretary at War | |
| In office 1717–1718 |
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| Preceded by | William Pulteney |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Castlecomer |
| Secretary of State for the Southern Department | |
| In office 1718–1721 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph Addison |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Carteret |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 April 1686 |
| Died | 16 February 1721 (aged 34) |
James Craggs the Younger (born April 9, 1686 – died February 16, 1721) was an important English politician. He held several high-ranking positions in the British government during the early 1700s.
Contents
Life and Career
Early Life and Connections
James Craggs was born in Westminster, England, in 1686. His father was also a well-known person named James Craggs the Elder. Young James spent some of his early years traveling outside of England. During his travels, he met George Louis, who was then the Elector of Hanover. This George Louis later became King George I of Great Britain.
Political Roles
In 1713, James Craggs became a Member of Parliament for Tregony. This meant he was elected to help make laws for the country. Later, in 1717, he was appointed Secretary at War. This was a key role in managing the army. The very next year, in 1718, he became Secretary of State for the Southern Department. This was a very important job, dealing with foreign affairs and managing parts of the British Empire.
Financial Event and Friends
James Craggs was connected to a big financial event called the South Sea Bubble. This was a time when many people invested in a company, and then the company's value crashed. James was involved, but not as deeply as his father. Sadly, James Craggs died on February 16, 1721, when he was only 34 years old. He passed away before his father.
James Craggs had many famous friends. These included the poet Alexander Pope, who even wrote a special message for his monument in Westminster Abbey. Other friends were the writer Joseph Addison and the playwright John Gay.
Family and Interests
James Craggs had a daughter named Harriot Craggs. Her mother was a famous dancer and actress named Hester Santlow. Harriot later married Richard Eliot in 1726 and had nine children. One of her sons became Edward Craggs-Eliot, 1st Baron Eliot. Harriot married again in 1749 to John Hamilton and had another son.
James Craggs also had two sons, both named James, from different mothers. These sons were mentioned in his uncle Michael Richards' will. One of these sons, known as James Smith, died at sea in 1740 while serving in the Royal Navy.
In 1719, James Craggs was one of the first people to support the Royal Academy of Music. This company started an opera house in London. They hired famous composers like Handel and Bononcini to create many new musical works.
