John Darker facts for kids

John Darker (born around 1722 – died February 8, 1784) was an important British businessman and politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, from 1776 to 1784.

Early Life and Business Success

John Darker was born in a place called Stoughton, Leicestershire. His father, also named John Darker, was a hop-merchant in Clerkenwell. A hop-merchant is someone who buys and sells hops, which are plants used to make beer.

Young John Darker joined his father's business. By 1759, he took over the company. He worked in the business until about 1773. During this time, he became very wealthy. He bought land in places like Gayton, Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire.

In 1760, he was chosen to be the Treasurer of St Bartholomew's Hospital. This meant he was in charge of the hospital's money. He married Mary Parker, who was the daughter of John Parker from Retford, Nottinghamshire.

Joining Parliament

John Darker decided to enter politics. In 1766, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Leicester. An MP is a person chosen to represent a group of people in Parliament. He won this election, which was called a by-election, because he had the support of the local town council, also known as the "corporation interest."

In the 1768 general election, he tried to become an MP for Leicester again. He was still supported by the corporation. However, he lost this election after a very close contest.

A Man of Knowledge

John Darker was interested in more than just business and politics. He became a member of two important groups that studied different subjects.

In 1766, he joined the Society of Antiquaries of London. This group studies history and old things. Then, in 1768, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very famous group that promotes science and knowledge.

Later Political Career

John Darker ran for Parliament again in the 1774 general election. This time, he was elected without anyone running against him. This happened because the town council and other independent groups agreed to support him. He was also elected without opposition in the 1780 election.

Even though he only spoke once in the House of Commons, he was very busy. He worked hard on many parliamentary committees. These committees focused on topics like trade and business.

Final Years

John Darker passed away on February 8, 1784. He was buried in the church of St Bartholomew-the-Less.

He had two daughters. His daughter Sarah Johanna married Sir George Shuckburgh, who was also an MP. His other daughter, Elizabeth, married Joseph Nash and later married Edward Loveden Loveden, who was also an MP.