John Delaval, 1st Baron Delaval facts for kids
John Hussey Delaval, 1st Baron Delaval (born March 17, 1728 – died May 17, 1808), was an important English landowner and politician. He was known as Sir John Delaval, Bt from 1761 to 1783.
His Early Life and Education
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John Hussey Delaval was the son of Francis Blake Delaval. His father owned large estates (areas of land) at Ford Castle and Seaton Delaval in Northumberland. John's mother, Rhoda Apreece, also brought him land, including Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire.
John went to school at Westminster School. Later, he studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, which is a famous university. He bought his father's estates from his older brother. John worked hard to improve the farms at Ford. He also developed the coal and mineral resources at Seaton.
His sister, Rhoda Delaval, was an artist. She was married to Sir Edward Astley.
His Time in Politics
John Delaval was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Berwick-on-Tweed. This means he was elected to represent the people of that area in the British Parliament. He served as an MP for several years: from 1754 to 1761, then from 1765 to 1774, and again from 1780 to 1786.
In 1761, he was given the special title of a baronet. This meant he could be called Sir John Delaval. Later, in 1783, he received an even higher honor. He was made a Baron Delaval in the Peerage of Ireland. This gave him the title of Lord Delaval. In 1786, he was honored again, becoming a Baron in the Peerage of Great Britain.
His Family and Home
Lord Delaval's main home was Seaton Delaval Hall. This grand house was designed by the famous architect John Vanbrugh. It is considered a masterpiece from the 18th century.
Lord Delaval supported the artist William Bell. In return, Bell painted many portraits of Lord Delaval and his family. He also painted two pictures of Seaton Delaval Hall.
Lord Delaval was married twice. Sadly, his only son passed away when he was just 19 years old. Because of this, when Lord Delaval died in 1808, his special titles (baronetcy and baronies) ended. He was buried in St Paul's Chapel at Westminster Abbey.
After his death, his second wife, Susannah Elizabeth, could live at the Ford estate for the rest of her life. After her, the estate would go to his granddaughter, Susan. His other estates, Seaton Delaval and Doddington, went to his brother, Edward Delaval. When Edward died, Doddington went to Edward's wife and then to his daughter. Seaton Delaval went to Jacob Astley, who was the son of John's deceased sister, Rhoda.
