John Call facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir John Call, Bt
1779 oil painting of Sir John Call with Bodmin Jail in the background, artist unknown
Member of Parliament for Callington
In office 1784–1801 Serving with Paul Orchard
Personal details
Born	30 June 1731 Fenny Park, Tiverton, Devon, Great Britain
Died	1 March 1801 (aged 69) Old Burlington Street, London, UK
Resting place	St Margaret's old churchyard, Lee, Kent (now in the borough of Lewisham)
Military service
Allegiance	Kingdom of Great Britain
Branch/service	British Army
Years of service	1748-1766
Rank	Captain General
Unit	British East India Company

Sir John Call, 1st Baronet (born June 30, 1731 – died March 1, 1801) was an important English engineer. He also held a special title called a baronet, which is a bit like being a knight but the title can be passed down in the family.

He was born in a place called Fenny Park, near Tiverton, in Devon. He went to Blundell's School when he was younger. At just 17 years old, he traveled all the way to India.

Early Life and Work in India

When John Call went to India, he joined the East India Company. This company was a powerful British trading group that also had its own army and ruled parts of India. John Call worked with Benjamin Robins, who was the chief engineer for the company.

After Benjamin Robins passed away, John Call took over his important job. He became the chief engineer and even got a seat on the Governor's Council. This meant he helped make big decisions for the company's settlements in India. A famous leader named Robert Clive thought John Call would be a great governor for Madras (a city in India). However, John Call had to return to England in 1766 because his father died.

Back in England

When Sir John Call came back to England, he became the High Sheriff of Cornwall for a year. This was an important local role, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.

In 1784, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Callington. An MP is someone who represents their local area in the country's government, helping to make laws. He kept this job until he died.

In the same year, 1784, he also became a partner in a banking business. Then, in 1791, he was given the special title of the 1st Baronet Call. This made him "Sir John Call."

What He Built

Sir John Call was a talented engineer and builder. He was responsible for several interesting constructions:

• He built a large house called Whiteford House near Stoke Climsland in Cornwall. Sadly, this house was taken down in 1913.
• He also built a nearby structure called Whiteford Temple. This was a "folly," which is a building made mostly for decoration. Today, the Landmark Trust looks after it.
• He built a copy of a Civil War fort on top of Kit Hill.
• In 1779, he was in charge of building Bodmin Gaol. A gaol is an old word for a prison.

His Achievements and Family

Sir John Call was recognized for his knowledge and work.

• In 1775, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists.
• In 1785, he also became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. This group focuses on history and old things.

He married a woman named Philadelphia Batty. They had two sons and four daughters. His oldest son, William Pratt Call, took over his father's title and became the 2nd Baronet Call after Sir John Call passed away in 1801.

Sir John Call became blind seven years before he died. He passed away from a sudden illness at his home in London. He was buried in St Margaret's old churchyard in Lee, which is now part of London. There is a special monument there to remember him.

Images for kids

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  Monument to Sir John Call

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  Inscription on Monument of Sir John Call Bart, Lee Old Churchyard