John Bligh, 3rd Earl of Darnley facts for kids
John Bligh, 3rd Earl of Darnley (born October 1, 1719 – died July 31, 1781) was an important British politician. He was known as The Hon. John Bligh until 1747. He also owned the land of Manor of Cobham, Kent.
Who Was John Bligh?
John Bligh was the son of John Bligh, 1st Earl of Darnley and Lady Theodosia Hyde. His mother later became Baroness Clifton in her own right.
Early Life and Education
John Bligh was born in 1719 near Gravesend, Kent, England. When he was eight years old, he went to Westminster School. This was a famous school in London.
Later, he studied at Merton College at Oxford University. He started there on May 13, 1735. He earned his MA degree on July 13, 1738.
His Work in Parliament
John Bligh was a Member of Parliament (MP) for two different places. An MP is a person chosen to represent people in the government.
From 1741 to 1747, he was an MP for Maidstone in the British Parliament. He also served in the Irish House of Commons for Athboy. He was an MP there from 1739 to 1747.
His Family Life
Lord Darnley married Mary Stoyte on September 11, 1766. They had seven children together:
- John Bligh, 4th Earl of Darnley (born June 30, 1767 – died March 17, 1831)
- General Hon. Edward Bligh (born September 19, 1769 – died November 2, 1840)
- Lady Mary Bligh (died March 4, 1796). She married Sir Lawrence Palk, 2nd Baronet. They did not have any children.
- Lady Theodosia Bligh (born February 1771 – died January 21, 1840). She married her cousin, Thomas Cherburgh Bligh. They had children.
- Lady Sarah Bligh (born February 10, 1772 – died April 1797)
- Lady Catherine Bligh (born 1775 – died February 11, 1812). She married Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry. They had children.
- Colonel Hon. William Bligh (born September 25, 1775 – died August 8, 1845). He married Lady Sophia Stewart. They had one daughter, Sophia.
