James Stopford, 3rd Earl of Courtown facts for kids

James George, 3rd Earl of Courtown (1765-1835) and his brothers Lt. General The Hon. Sir Edward (1766-1837) and Admiral The Hon. Sir Robert Stopford (1768-1847)

James George Stopford, the 3rd Earl of Courtown, was an important Anglo-Irish nobleman and Tory politician. He was born on August 15, 1765, and passed away on June 15, 1835. For many years, from 1770 to 1810, he was known as Viscount Stopford. He played a big role in British politics during his lifetime.

Early Life and Education

James George Stopford was the oldest son of James Stopford, 2nd Earl of Courtown, and his wife Mary (née Powys). He went to school at Eton College, which is a famous school in England. After his education, he joined the Coldstream Guards, a part of the British Army. He worked his way up and became a captain.

Political Career

James George Stopford was a member of the British House of Commons, which is like a parliament where laws are made. He represented different areas over the years.

Serving in Parliament

He was first elected to represent Great Bedwyn in 1790. He held this seat until 1796. Later, he represented Great Bedwyn again from 1806 to 1807. He also served as a Member of Parliament for other places. These included Lanark from 1796 to 1802. He then represented Dumfries from 1803 to 1806. Finally, he was the MP for Marlborough from 1807 to 1810.

Roles in Government

In 1793, James George Stopford became the Treasurer of the Household. This was an important job in the government of William Pitt the Younger. He held this position for a long time, until 1806. During some of this time, from 1801 to 1804, he served under Prime Minister Henry Addington. He became Treasurer of the Household again in 1807. He continued in this role until 1812, serving under the Duke of Portland and Spencer Perceval.

Later Life and Honours

In 1810, James George Stopford became the 3rd Earl of Courtown after his father passed away. This meant he moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords.

Roles in the House of Lords

In the House of Lords, he continued to hold important government jobs. From 1812 to 1827, he was the Captain of the Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners. This group protects the monarch. Later, in 1835, he became the Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard under Sir Robert Peel. This was another group that protected the monarch.

Special Honours

In 1793, he was made a member of the Privy Council of Great Britain. This is a group of important advisors to the monarch. In 1821, he received a special honour. He was made a Knight of the Order of St Patrick. This is a very high honour in Ireland.

Family Life

Lord Courtown married Lady Mary in 1791. She was the daughter of Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. They had six children together: five sons and one daughter. Sadly, their two oldest sons died when they were very young.

Their youngest son, Montagu Stopford (1798–1864), became a Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy. His grandson was General Sir Montagu George North Stopford, who was also a very important military figure. Lady Courtown passed away in April 1823 when she was 53 years old. Lord Courtown lived for twelve more years after her. He died in June 1835 at the age of 69. His third son, James, who was his oldest surviving son, became the 4th Earl of Courtown.