James Dutton, 1st Baron Sherborne facts for kids

James Naper Dutton, 1st Baron Sherborne

Arms of Dutton: Quarterly argent and gules, in the second and third quarters a fret or

Baronet, a famous horse bred by James Dutton, painted by George Stubbs

James Naper Dutton, 1st Baron Sherborne (born October 22, 1744 – died May 22, 1820), was an important British nobleman. He was known as a "peer," which means he held a special title, like a lord, and had a seat in the House of Lords, part of the British Parliament.

Early Life and Education

James Naper Dutton was born to James Lenox Dutton and his second wife, Jane Bond. His family lived in Sherborne, Gloucestershire, a county in England.

James went to two very famous schools. From 1755 to 1762, he studied at Eton College, a well-known boarding school. After that, in 1763, he attended Christ Church, Oxford, which is part of the famous University of Oxford.

Political Career

James Naper Dutton played a role in public life. In 1779, he was chosen as the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. This was an important local job, like a chief officer for the county.

In 1780, he was elected to be a Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire. This meant he represented the people of his county in the British Parliament. He held this position until 1784.

Later in 1784, he was given a special honor. He was made a "peer," which meant he became Lord Sherborne, Baron of Sherborne. This new title allowed him to join the House of Lords.

Business and Investments

Lord Sherborne was also involved in business. In 1809, he became a major investor in the Gloucester and Cheltenham Railway Company. He invested a large sum of money, £10,000, into this company. This was a big part of the company's total funds, which were £26,000.

Family Life

In 1774, Lord Sherborne married Elizabeth Coke. She was the daughter of Wenman Coke. They had four children together:

• Elizabeth Jane Dutton (1775–1836), who married Thomas Howard, 16th Earl of Suffolk.
• Anne Margaret Dutton (1776–1852).
• Frances Mary Dutton (1778–1807), who married Prince Ivan Ivanovitch Bariatinski from Russia. He was a Russian diplomat.
• John Dutton, 2nd Baron Sherborne (1779–1862), who later became the 2nd Baron Sherborne. He married Mary Bilson Legge.

Lord Sherborne passed away in May 1820 when he was 75 years old. His son, John, took over his title and became the next Baron Sherborne. Lady Sherborne, his wife, died a few years later in December 1824.