James Tylney-Long facts for kids
Sir James Tylney-Long (born in 1736, died in 1794) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons for 32 years. This is similar to being a member of parliament today.
He was the oldest son of Sir Robert Long. When his father died in 1767, James became the 7th Baronet. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. He also inherited his family's large properties, including Draycot in Wiltshire and Athelhampton in Dorset.
Sir James's Career
Sir James was part of the Wiltshire Militia. This was a local army group. He became a captain in 1759 and a major in 1769. Later, he even started his own group called the Draycot Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry. This was a group of soldiers who rode horses.
In 1784, he inherited more large properties. These included Wanstead in Essex and Tylney Hall in Hampshire. He got these from his uncle, John Tylney, 2nd Earl Tylney. After this, Sir James added "Tylney" to his name. He was a very kind person. He gave a lot of money to help public and private charities. He lived a simple and humble life.
He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for several areas. He represented Marlborough from 1762 to 1780. Then he represented Devizes from 1780 to 1788. In 1788, he was chosen to represent Wiltshire.
Sir James also made changes to his home, Draycot manor. He added a new front section and two side wings to the old medieval house.
Sir James's Family
In 1775, Sir James married Harriot. She was the fourth daughter of Jacob Bouverie, 1st Viscount Folkestone. Sadly, Harriot died in 1777 and they did not have any children.
In 1785, he married again. His second wife was Lady Catherine Sydney Windsor. She was the daughter of Other Windsor, 4th Earl of Plymouth.
Sir James died at his home, Draycot House, in 1794. His wife, Lady Catherine, passed away much later in 1823. They had one son, also named James. He was born just two months before his father died. This young James became the 8th Baronet. However, he was often sick and died in 1805, just before his eleventh birthday.
Because young James died, the family's large properties went to his oldest sister, Catherine. She was one of Sir James's three daughters. The Baronet title ended with the death of young James. Catherine later married William Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley, 4th Earl of Mornington. He had financial difficulties, which led to Wanstead House being taken apart. However, Catherine and William had a son. This son made sure the remaining family properties went to his first cousin, the 2nd Earl Cowley.
