James Stopford, 2nd Earl of Courtown facts for kids

James Stopford, 2nd Earl of Courtown (born May 28, 1731 – died March 30, 1810) was an important figure in British and Irish politics. He was known as Viscount Stopford from 1762 to 1770. He was a member of the nobility from both Ireland and Britain.

James Stopford was also a Tory politician. He served in the British House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, between 1774 and 1793.

Early Life and Education

James Stopford was the oldest son of James Stopford, 1st Earl of Courtown. His mother was Elizabeth Smith.

He received his education at Trinity College Dublin, a well-known university in Ireland.

Political Career

James Stopford began his political journey in Ireland. In 1761, he was elected to the Irish House of Commons for the area of Taghmon. He held this position until 1768.

Later, he became a Member of the British House of Commons. He represented Great Bedwyn in 1774. Then, he represented Marlborough from 1780 to 1793.

Key Roles and Honors

From 1784 to 1793, James Stopford held an important role as the Treasurer of the Household. This was during the time when William Pitt the Younger was a leading politician.

He received several special honors during his life:

• In 1783, he was made a Knight of the Order of St Patrick. This is a very high honor in Ireland.
• In 1784, he became a member of the Irish Privy Council. This group advises the monarch on Irish affairs.
• In 1796, he received another special title. He was created Baron Saltersford in the Peerage of Great Britain. This gave him a seat in the British House of Lords.

Family Life

A portrait of his sons; Robert, Edward and James. (Samuel Shelley, 1774)

In 1762, Lord Courtown married Mary Powys. They had a large family with four sons and one daughter. All of their sons became successful in their own ways.

• Their second son, Sir Edward Stopford (1766–1837), became a Lieutenant-General in the Army.
• Their third son, Sir Robert Stopford (1768–1874), became a high-ranking officer in the Royal Navy, an Admiral of the Red.
• Their fourth son, Richard Bruce Stopford (1774–1844), became a Canon of Windsor and a Chaplain to Queen Victoria.

Lady Courtown passed away in January 1810. Lord Courtown died just three months later, in March 1810, at the age of 78. His eldest son, James, took over his title and also became a well-known Tory politician.