John Dawnay, 5th Viscount Downe facts for kids
John Christopher Burton Dawnay (born 1764, died 1832) was an important person in British politics. He was known as the 5th Viscount Downe. He became a politician and a member of the British Parliament.
Early Life and Family
John Dawnay was born on November 15, 1764. His father was John Dawnay, the 4th Viscount Downe. His mother was Laura Burton. John was the oldest son in his family. When his father passed away in 1780, John became the 5th Viscount Downe.
A Career in Politics
Even though John became a Viscount, his title was an "Irish peerage." This meant he could not automatically sit in the English House of Lords. The House of Lords is part of the British Parliament. To join, he needed a different kind of title.
John Dawnay became a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons first. He represented the area of Petersfield from 1787 to 1790. After that, he represented Wootton Basset from 1790 to 1796.
In 1796, something special happened. John Dawnay was given a new title: Baron Dawnay. This new title was part of the "Peerage of Great Britain." This meant he could now take his seat in the House of Lords.
Family Life and Legacy
Lord Downe was married two times. His first wife was the daughter of Major John Scott. She passed away in 1798. Later, in 1815, he married Louisa Maria Welstead. John and Louisa did not have any children.
John Dawnay, the 5th Viscount Downe, passed away in February 1832. He was 67 years old. Because he had no children, his title of Baron Dawnay ended with him. However, his younger brother, William Henry Dawnay, became the next Viscount Downe.
His second wife, Louisa Maria, lived many more years. She spent her later life at Bowden Hall. She was very kind and helped the local primary school there. Viscountess Downe passed away in March 1867.
