John Dolben (politician) facts for kids

John Dolben (born 1662, died 1710) was an English lawyer and politician. He lived in Epsom, Surrey. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1707 until he passed away in 1710. John Dolben played a big part in the trial of Dr. Henry Sacheverell in 1710. Some people believed that his hard work during this trial may have led to his early death.

Early Life and Family

John Dolben was the younger son of John Dolben, who was the Archbishop of York. His mother was Catherine Sheldon. He was born in 1662 and was baptized in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.

He went to Westminster School in 1676. With help from his uncle, Sir William Dolben, who was a judge, John began studying law at Inner Temple in 1677. He also attended Christ Church, Oxford in 1678. From 1682 to 1683, he traveled in France.

In December 1683, John Dolben married Elizabeth Mulso. She was the daughter of Tanfield Mulso of Finedon Hall, Northamptonshire. A painting of Elizabeth is believed to be by John Riley. John Dolben became a lawyer in 1684.

After his father died in 1686, John Dolben faced financial challenges. He sold his share of the Finedon estate to his older brother, Sir Gilbert Dolben, 1st Baronet. By 1691, his family was relying on help from friends. His uncle, Sir William Dolben, had planned to leave money to John. However, because of John's financial difficulties, his uncle changed his will. Instead, the money was put into a trust fund for John's children, to make sure they would be provided for.

Political Career

In 1692, John Dolben moved to the East Indies. There, he became a judge for the East India Company in Bengal. He also became friends with Thomas Pitt, who was the Governor. Dolben was able to improve his financial situation through trading opportunities. In 1699, he even traveled to China with one of Pitt's sons.

By July 1701, he returned to England. He continued to work with Thomas Pitt on matters related to the East India Companies. He went back to the East Indies around 1702 and stayed until 1706. When he returned to England, Pitt trusted him to handle his business affairs.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

John Dolben became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Liskeard in November 1707. He was supported by Sir Jonathan Trelawny, 3rd Baronet, who was the Bishop of Winchester. As an MP, he was very dedicated and active. He worked on many committees, especially one dealing with the East India Company Act. He was keen on bringing the two East India companies together. He suggested that the company lend the government an extra £200,000, and this idea became law.

In the 1708 British general election, Dolben was re-elected for Liskeard without opposition. He remained very active in Parliament. He helped draft nine bills, including one to stop people from betting on public matters. He also managed a bill to create a trading company in Africa. He often voted with the Whig party. In 1709, he supported a law to allow German refugees, called Palatines, to become citizens. He also helped manage funds for poor Palatines.

The Sacheverell Trial

John Dolben was the first person to bring up the issue of Dr. Henry Sacheverell's printed sermons in Parliament on December 13, 1709. He asked the House to consider the sermons and declare them "malicious, scandalous and seditious libels." The next day, he suggested that Sacheverell should be put on trial through an impeachment.

Dolben was chosen for the committee that wrote the charges against Sacheverell. He also led this committee. During the trial, he was one of the main people presenting the case. His actions during the trial caused some trouble for him. There were threats from angry crowds, and a mob even pulled down a clock he had given to Liskeard Town Hall. Despite these challenges, he showed great energy in his role. He also continued his other parliamentary duties, like serving on committees. In 1710, he was also appointed a Director of the Bank of England.

Later Life and Legacy

John Dolben worked so hard that his health suffered. He eventually retired to the countryside and also gave up his role at the Bank of England. He then caught a fever and passed away on May 29, 1710. He was buried in Finedon Church under a large marble tombstone.

Sadly, his two sons died before him. William, his elder son, passed away in 1709 at the age of 20. One of his three daughters, Mary, died on June 24, 1710, at age 8. His wife lived until March 4, 1736. His two surviving daughters, Anne and Catherine, were married in Westminster Abbey. Anne married Gilbert Affleck, a politician, and Catherine married Samuel Whitelocke.