John FitzPatrick, 2nd Earl of Upper Ossory facts for kids

The Earl of Upper Ossory

A portrait of John FitzPatrick, painted by Thomas Beach.

John FitzPatrick, 2nd Earl of Upper Ossory (born 2 May 1745, died 13 February 1818) was an important Irish nobleman and politician. He was known as 'Lord Gowran' when he was younger, from 1751 to 1758. He served as a member of parliament in Britain. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and a Deputy Lieutenant (DL).

Early Life and Family

John FitzPatrick was born on 2 May 1745. His father was John FitzPatrick, 1st Earl of Upper Ossory. His mother was Lady Evelyn Leveson-Gower. She was the daughter of John Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Gower.

John had a younger brother named Richard. Richard also became a well-known politician and soldier. John also had two younger sisters. Their names were Mary and Louisa.

Political Career and Titles

When his father died in 1758, John became the Earl of Upper Ossory. This was an Irish title. It did not allow him to sit in the British House of Lords.

Instead, in 1767, he was chosen to be a member of the House of Commons. He represented the area of Bedfordshire. He held this position for many years, until 1794.

He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. This was an important local role. He held this job from 1771 until his death in 1818.

In 1794, he received a new title. He became 'Baron Upper Ossory'. This new title was part of the Peerage of Great Britain. This meant he could now have a seat in the House of Lords.

Interests and Friends

In 1763, John FitzPatrick traveled to Italy. He was with a friend who loved books, Topham Beauclerk. While in Italy, John bought many old master paintings. He also asked Gavin Hamilton, a famous artist, to paint for him.

He was also thought to support the artist John Higton. Higton painted "Dogs at Ampthill Park" in 1810. This painting shows dogs at John FitzPatrick's home.

John FitzPatrick was good friends with Charles James Fox. His younger brother Richard was also friends with Fox. His half-sister Mary FitzPatrick married Charles James Fox's older brother.

After his parents passed away, John became a stepfather to Henry Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron Holland. John was also a close friend of Horace Walpole. Many letters between Walpole and John's wife still exist today.

Later Life and Legacy

John FitzPatrick passed away in February 1818. He was 72 years old. When he died, his titles ended because he had no direct heirs.

His son, John, inherited some of his family's lands. This son was later given the title of Baron Castletown in 1869. However, when his son died, the estate went to his step-son, Henry Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron Holland. Henry also made Ampthill Park his main home. Another family home, Fermyn Woods Hall, was passed down to John's daughters.

Images for kids

• 

  Portrait of the daughter of John FitzPatrick (1779).

• 

  Lady Anne FitzPatrick.