John Brownlow, 1st Viscount Tyrconnel facts for kids
John Brownlow, 1st Viscount Tyrconnel (born 16 November 1690 – died 27 February 1754) was an important British politician. He was also known as Sir John Brownlow, 5th Baronet, from 1701 to 1718. He lived at Belton House in Lincolnshire. John Brownlow was a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1713 to 1741.
Early Life and Family
John Brownlow was the only son of Sir William Brownlow, 4th Baronet (1665–1701). His mother was Dorothy Mason. Both of his parents passed away before he turned 11 years old. His grandmother, Lady Mason, then raised him.
When John Brownlow became 21, he took charge of his family's property. He found some issues with how it had been managed. This caused some disagreements with his grandmother.
Political Career
In 1713, John Brownlow was chosen as a Member of Parliament for Grantham. This meant he represented the people of Grantham in the House of Commons.
In 1715, he was elected again, this time for Lincolnshire. In 1718, he was given two special titles: Baron Charleville and Viscount Tyrconnel. These titles made him a member of the Peerage of Ireland.
He continued his work as an MP. He was re-elected for Grantham in 1722. He won again without anyone running against him in 1727 and 1734. He decided not to run for election in 1741.
John Brownlow, known as Lord Tyrconnel, also supported the poet Richard Savage. The reasons for his support are not fully clear. However, it seems he believed the poet's story about his family background.
Marriages and Family Life
John Brownlow married two times. He did not have any children of his own.
- His first wife was his cousin, Eleanor Brownlow. She was the youngest daughter of his uncle, Sir John Brownlow, 3rd Baronet. This uncle was the person who built Belton House. Eleanor inherited a part of her father's estate. She gained full ownership of Belton House after her mother passed away in 1721.
- In 1732, he married his second wife, Elizabeth Cartwright. She was the daughter of William Cartwright.
Later Life and Legacy
John Brownlow passed away in February 1754. He was 63 years old. Since he had no children, his special titles ended with him.
His family's estates, including Belton House, were inherited by his nephew, Sir John Cust, 3rd Baronet (1718–1770). This nephew was the son of John Brownlow's sister, Anne Brownlow. Later, in 1776, his nephew's son was also given a special title, becoming Baron Brownlow.
