John Perceval, 2nd Earl of Egmont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Egmont
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Portrait by Thomas Hudson
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| First Lord of the Admiralty | |
| In office 1763–1766 |
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| Preceded by | The Earl of Sandwich |
| Succeeded by | Sir Charles Saunders |
| Postmaster General | |
| In office 1762–1763 Serving with Robert Hampden-Trevor
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| Preceded by | The Earl of Bessborough Robert Hampden-Trevor |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Hyde Robert Hampden-Trevor |
| Member of Parliament for Ilchester | |
| In office 1761–1761 Serving with Joseph Tolson Lockyer
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| Preceded by | Thomas Lockyer Joseph Tolson Lockyer |
| Succeeded by | William Wilson Joseph Tolson Lockyer |
| Member of Parliament for Bridgwater | |
| In office 1754–1762 Serving with Robert Balch, Edward Southwell
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| Preceded by | George Dodington Robert Balch |
| Succeeded by | Viscount Perceval Edward Southwell |
| Member of Parliament for Weobly | |
| In office 1747–1754 Serving with Savage Mostyn
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| Preceded by | Mansel Powell Savage Mostyn |
| Succeeded by | John Craster Savage Mostyn |
| Member of Parliament for Westminster | |
| In office 1741–1747 Serving with Charles Edwin
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| Preceded by | Sir Charles Wager The Lord Sundon |
| Succeeded by | Viscount Trentham Sir Peter Warren |
| Member of Parliament for Dingle | |
| In office 1731–1749 Serving with John FitzGerald, Robert FitzGerald
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| Preceded by | Thomas Crosbie John FitzGerald |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Fownes, 2nd Baronet Robert FitzGerald |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Perceval
25 February 1711 |
| Died | 4 December 1770 (aged 59) Pall Mall, London |
| Spouse |
Lady Catherine Cecil
(m. 1737; died 1752)Catherine Compton
(m. 1756) |
| Children | 16 |
| Parents | John Perceval, 1st Earl of Egmont Catherine Parker |
| Residence | Enmore Castle |
John Perceval, the 2nd Earl of Egmont, was an important British politician. He was born on February 25, 1711, and passed away on December 4, 1770. He was known for being a writer of political pamphlets and a family historian. One of his most important jobs was leading the British Navy as the First Lord of the Admiralty. John Perceval came from an Anglo-Irish family. He served in both the Irish Parliament and the British Parliament. His son, Spencer Perceval, later became a Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Family
John Perceval was the son of John Perceval, the 1st Earl of Egmont. His mother was Catherine Parker. He was baptized in London, at the Palace of Westminster.
He had two sisters. One was Lady Catharine Perceval, who married Thomas Hanmer. The other was Lady Helena Perceval, who married John Rawdon, the 1st Earl of Moira.
His grandparents on his father's side were Sir John Perceval, 3rd Baronet, and Catherine Dering. His grandparents on his mother's side were Sir Philip Parker, 2nd Baronet, and Mary Fortray.
When his father passed away in 1748, John became the 2nd Earl of Egmont. This was a title in the Peerage of Ireland.
Political Career
John Perceval began his political career in Ireland. He was a Member of Parliament for Dingle from 1731 to 1749. In 1748, he became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales. This was an important role in the royal household.
In 1755, he became a Privy Counsellor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King.
He also served in the British Parliament. He represented different areas over the years:
- Westminster (1741–1747)
- Weobley (1747–1754)
- Bridgwater (1754–1762)
In 1762, he received a new title: Baron Lovel and Holland. This title was in the Peerage of Great Britain. It meant he automatically got a seat in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament.
From 1762 to 1763, he was a joint Postmaster-General. This job involved managing the postal service. Then, from 1763 to 1766, he held a very important position. He was the First Lord of the Admiralty, which meant he was in charge of the entire British Navy.
Enmore Castle
Between 1751 and 1757, John Perceval designed and built Enmore Castle. This castle was located in Somerset, England. It was his personal project and a grand home.
Personal Life and Family
John Perceval was married two times and had many children.
His first marriage was on February 15, 1737, to Lady Catherine Cecil. She was the daughter of the 5th Earl of Salisbury. Lady Catherine passed away in 1752. They had five sons and two daughters together:
- John Perceval, 3rd Earl of Egmont (1738–1822), who inherited his father's title.
- Cecil Parker Perceval (1739–1753), who died young.
- Philip Tufton Perceval (1742–1795), who became a captain in the Royal Navy.
- Edward Perceval (1744–1824), a captain in the Royal Dragoon Guards.
- Catherine Perceval (1746–1782), who married Thomas Wynn, later the 1st Baron Newborough.
- Margaret Perceval (1748–1750), who died as a baby.
- Frederick Augustus Perceval (1750–1757), who died young.
His second marriage was to Catherine Compton on January 26, 1756. She was the daughter of Charles Compton. With Catherine, he had three sons and six daughters:
- Charles George Perceval (1756–1840), who later became the 2nd Baron Arden.
- Mary Perceval (died 1839), who married Andrew Berkeley Drummond.
- Anne Perceval (1759–1772), who died young.
- Charlotte Perceval (born and died 1761), who died as a baby.
- Spencer Perceval (1762–1812), who became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Elizabeth Perceval (died 1846), who lived to be 82 and never married.
- Henry Perceval (1765–1772), who died young.
- Frances Perceval (1767–1817), who married John, 1st Baron Redesdale.
- Margaret Perceval (1769–1854), who married Thomas Walpole.
Lord Perceval passed away on December 4, 1770, in London, at the age of 59. After his death, his wife Catherine was given the title Baroness Arden in 1770. She lived until 1784.
Legacy
John Perceval's influence extended beyond his lifetime. Mount Egmont in New Zealand was named after him. This was done by the famous explorer James Cook. Cook wanted to recognize Perceval's support for his first voyage around the world.
Today, the mountain is known by its original Māori name, Taranaki. However, the national park around the peak is still called Egmont National Park. Geologists also continue to refer to the mountain as the Egmont Volcano.
