John Parker, 1st Earl of Morley facts for kids

John Parker, 1st Earl of Morley (1772-1840)

Arms of Parker: Sable, a stag's head cabossed between two flaunches argent

John Parker, 1st Earl of Morley (born May 3, 1772 – died March 14, 1840) was an important British politician. He was also known as the 2nd Baron Boringdon before he became an Earl. He was a member of the Royal Society, a group that promotes science.

Who Was John Parker?

John Parker was the only son of John Parker, the 1st Baron Boringdon. His family lived in Devon, England, at places like Boringdon Hall and Saltram. His mother, Theresa Robinson, passed away when he was only three years old. His father died when John was fifteen.

His parents hired a famous architect named Robert Adam. Adam helped finish the inside of their grand home, Saltram House. This house was one of the most impressive in Devon. The Parker family became well-known in the mid-1500s. They were important officials in the area of North Molton.

John Parker's Education

John Parker went to school close to his home. He attended Plympton Grammar School. A famous painter, Sir Joshua Reynolds, also went to this school. After that, John Parker studied at Christ Church, Oxford University.

His Political Career

When John Parker turned 21 in 1793, he became a member of the House of Lords. This is part of the British Parliament, where important laws are discussed. He was very active in the House of Lords.

At first, he supported the government's ideas. This lasted until William Pitt the Younger passed away in 1806. After that, he supported another politician named George Canning. They wrote many letters to each other about politics.

In 1815, John Parker received new titles. He became Viscount Boringdon and Earl of Morley. After Canning died in 1827, John Parker started to support the Whigs. He even voted for the Great Reform Act of 1832. This was a big law that changed how people could vote in Britain.

Besides his work in national politics, John Parker also helped his home county of Devon. He supported many public projects there. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his contributions to science. He made only small changes to his family home, Saltram, like adding a porch and making the library bigger.

Family Life

John Parker married two times.

• His first marriage was in 1804 to Lady Augusta Fane. They had one son together:
  • Henry Villiers Parker, Viscount Boringdon (1806 – 1817). Sadly, Henry passed away when he was young.

• In 1809, he married Frances Talbot. She was the only daughter of Thomas Talbot. With Frances, he had one son and one daughter:
  • Edmund Parker, 2nd Earl of Morley (1810 – 1864). He was John Parker's only son who lived to adulthood and inherited his titles. Edmund later served Queen Victoria.
  • Caroline Parker (1814 – 1818).

Later Life and Death

Lord Morley passed away at his home, Saltram House, in March 1840. He was 67 years old. His son, Edmund Parker, 2nd Earl of Morley, inherited his titles.