John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Spencer
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The Earl Spencer, by Thomas Gainsborough
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| Member of Parliament for Warwick | |
| In office 1756–1761 Serving with Henry Archer
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| Preceded by |
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| Succeeded by |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Spencer
19 December 1734 Althorp, Northamptonshire |
| Died | 31 October 1783 (aged 48) Bath, Somerset |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse |
Georgiana Poyntz
(m. 1755) |
| Children | |
| Parents |
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John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer (19 December 1734 – 31 October 1783) was an important British nobleman and politician. He was known for his wealth and for being a Member of Parliament. He later became the first Earl Spencer, a high title in the British peerage.
Early Life
John Spencer was born on 19 December 1734. His family home was Althorp in Northamptonshire. He was the only son of John Spencer and Georgiana Caroline Carteret. He had one sister, Diana, who sadly passed away when she was eight years old. After his father's death in 1746, his mother married again.
John Spencer inherited a lot of money and property from his great-grandmother, Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. She was a very powerful and wealthy woman. However, her will had a special rule. It said that John could not accept any special jobs or money from the King or Queen. If he did, he would lose his inheritance. This rule was important for his future career.
Political Career
After finishing his education, John Spencer went on a "Grand Tour" of Europe. This was a common trip for young noblemen to learn about art and culture. When he returned to England, he wanted to become a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's government.
In 1756, Spencer tried to become an MP for Bristol but did not win. However, he was elected as an MP for Warwick on 9 December 1756. He represented Warwick alongside Henry Archer. Spencer was part of the Whig political group. The Whigs were one of the main political parties in Britain at the time.
In 1760, Spencer wrote to the Prime Minister, the Duke of Newcastle. He explained that because of his great-grandmother's will, he could not accept a job from the King. He hoped that the King would give him a noble title instead, like a "viscount." A viscount is a rank in the British peerage, which is a system of noble titles.
King George III agreed to give him a title. On 3 April 1761, John Spencer was made Baron Spencer of Althorp and Viscount Spencer. Later, on 1 November 1765, he received an even higher title. He was created Viscount Althorp and Earl Spencer. An Earl is a very important noble title.
Lord Spencer continued to be involved in politics. He also served as the High Steward of St Albans in 1772 and as the Mayor of St Albans in 1779.
Family Life
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In 1754, John Spencer met Margaret Georgiana Poyntz. She was the daughter of a diplomat named Stephen Poyntz. They fell in love quickly. John was not sure if his family would approve, so he traveled for a few months. When he returned, they realized their love was still strong.
On 20 December 1755, shortly after his 21st birthday, they married in a secret ceremony. The wedding took place at Althorp, during a big ball with 500 guests. They had five children together, but only three survived past infancy:
- Lady Georgiana Spencer (1757–1806). She married the 5th Duke of Devonshire.
- George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758–1834). He became the 2nd Earl Spencer after his father.
- Lady Henrietta Frances Spencer (1761–1821). She married the 3rd Earl of Bessborough.
John Spencer passed away at the age of 48 in 1783, near Bath, after a long illness. He was buried in the family vault at St Mary's Church in Great Brington, Northamptonshire. His wife, Georgiana, lived for another thirty years after his death.
Images for kids
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Coronet of an Earl
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Spencer family coat of arms
